Victor Johansson is one of Sweden's strongest men in the minus 90 kg class of strongman. But his main muscle has to fight harder than others. He was born with a heart defect affecting his workout.
- I usually say to my patients: "listen to the body's signals". If you notice anything abnormal such as dizziness, extreme shortness of breath or fatigue then rest or turn off the beat, says Ulf Thilén chief physician in cardiology at Lund University Hospital.
- The most serious risks are if the effort triggers a rhythm disturbance or a blood pressure drop that leads to circulatory collapse.
CLIP: Victor Johansson was born with heart failure - is one of Sweden's strongest men
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At the same time, it is not certain that hard sports in the long run worsen the condition, according to Ulf Thilén.
- Heart failure is everything from very simple to very complicated. So it's always a matter of individual advice based on how things look. In elite sports there is a regulatory framework that states when participation is inappropriate. You screen athletes in many sports, football for example.
Victor Johansson was discouraged from growing up physically. At age 15-16, he defied the pediatrician's orders and began strength training. A few years later he started competing in strongman.
There are patients who have ignored the doctor's advice- When it comes to congenital heart defects, it is to some extent the parents who decide what the child is allowed to do and not during growing up. It may happen that parents become overprotective, they do not want to risk anything. It can be a restraint, the child must not do everything they think is fun.
- Then once you become an adult, you do as you please. Even if you consult your doctor, there are some who ignore the advice they receive. There are patients I have refrained from contact sports, such as higher level ice hockey. Then they say “but this is my life, I can't stop it. I take that risk ”.
Is it frustrating as a doctor?
- No I do not think so. The important thing is to provide comprehensive and balanced information and make sure that the patient has understood what has been said. But then when it makes its choice one must have respect for it. You could say: "this goes against what I think it means and involves some risks, but I can understand that you are still taking the step".
Also sees need for more training
What is your general advice for people who want to exercise but have congenital heart failure?
- All people feel good about exercise. It is good for the body and the soul. The degree of how much you should and dare to exert should of course be discussed with your doctor. And when it comes to high-level competition sports, you may need to be more restrictive if you have a heart failure.
Ulf Thilén also sees a need for training in people with heart failure.
- The other side of this is that people with heart failure exercise too little, which would have felt good to move more. They find an argument for not exercising, although there is really no obstacle.
CLIP: See the full report on Victor
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