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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can One Ride A Roller Coaster With Heart Surgery History?

Should I still ride Rollercoasters?
When I was about 2 years old, I had open heart surgery having to do with my pulmonary valve. I have been to Six Flags and have gotten on every single ride they have there. Could it be possible that my heart has changed and can no longer take it?
Wed, 9 Nov 2016
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Cardiologist 's  Response
See a Cardiologist to help answer this question. Your heart certainly does change from when one is 2 years old. Depending on the specific congenital heart abnormality, some people need multiple surgeries during childhood or into young adulthood, to account for the natural growing process that occurs.

Additionally, some valve replacements can wear out and the valves become "insufficient" or "leaky" over time. You don't say whether you have any cardiac or pulmonary symptoms.

At the very least, an Echocardiogram (Heart sonogram) should be done to look at your heart chambers and heart valves. Since a roller coaster can be a cardiologically stressful situation, they may wish to do an Exercise Stress Test to measure how your heart responds to physical stress.

Assuming your medical history, physical exam, and Echo and Stress Test turned out OK, there shouldn't be a contraindication to riding a roller coaster. However, if there is a problem--fluid or pressure buildup in parts of the heart, or a tendency to develop arrhythmias under physically stressful conditions, there could be problems with a roller coaster.

Speak to your Cardiologist first, and wait for his or her assessment before buying your next roller coaster ticket.
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Can One Ride A Roller Coaster With Heart Surgery History?

See a Cardiologist to help answer this question. Your heart certainly does change from when one is 2 years old. Depending on the specific congenital heart abnormality, some people need multiple surgeries during childhood or into young adulthood, to account for the natural growing process that occurs. Additionally, some valve replacements can wear out and the valves become insufficient or leaky over time. You don t say whether you have any cardiac or pulmonary symptoms. At the very least, an Echocardiogram (Heart sonogram) should be done to look at your heart chambers and heart valves. Since a roller coaster can be a cardiologically stressful situation, they may wish to do an Exercise Stress Test to measure how your heart responds to physical stress. Assuming your medical history, physical exam, and Echo and Stress Test turned out OK, there shouldn t be a contraindication to riding a roller coaster. However, if there is a problem--fluid or pressure buildup in parts of the heart, or a tendency to develop arrhythmias under physically stressful conditions, there could be problems with a roller coaster. Speak to your Cardiologist first, and wait for his or her assessment before buying your next roller coaster ticket.