I had a "Heartwise" physical a couple of weeks ago, and the EKG was abnormal. The doctor said it wasn't a severe deviation, but that it appeared to indicate that the lower part of my heart is stressed and not beating as hard as it should. (My thyroid also appears to be bigger on one side than it should be.) He referred me for a heart ultrasound to explore further, but it isn't scheduled for another 2 weeks. I asked if that's why I've been getting out of breath so much lately; he said it probably is. He told me I can do "normal activity," but I don't think he's aware of the level of intensity of sparring, especially competitively. He may not even know that I train--I was so shocked (never had an abnormal EKG before) that I didn't mention it.
So now I'm not sure how hard to train. I can spar for about a minute before I feel like I'm going to die (can't breathe, chest hurts, sometimes see spots), and every time I finish a kata I feel the same. Sometimes my fingernails turn blue; occasionally my lips get a bluish cast. Are sparring and intense competitive forms considered "normal activity" for a 48 year old?
Opinions?
So now I'm not sure how hard to train. I can spar for about a minute before I feel like I'm going to die (can't breathe, chest hurts, sometimes see spots), and every time I finish a kata I feel the same. Sometimes my fingernails turn blue; occasionally my lips get a bluish cast. Are sparring and intense competitive forms considered "normal activity" for a 48 year old?
Opinions?