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Ep. 204-The Heart of the Matter: Managing Cardiac Risks in Endurance Sports + CoreCtrl
Episode 20421st August 2026 • The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place • Dr. Jeff Sankoff
00:00:00 01:05:39

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Risk management isn't just for the boardrooms and stock markets; it seems to infiltrate our lives as endurance athletes too. I had a chat with Brian Dunn, a seasoned triathlete who’s been through the wringer when it comes to cardiac health. You know, just your typical 'I’m a healthy athlete, but wait, why is my heart doing the cha-cha when I’m just trying to jog?' story. We dive deep into his journey through atrial fibrillation, which sounds like a fancy term for ‘my heart decided to throw a rave without my consent.’ Brian, being the smart cookie he is, didn’t let that scare him off completely. Instead, he took it as a wake-up call to get serious about his health while still wanting to chase podiums like the rest of us. In this episode, we explore how to balance the thrill of racing with the caution of listening to our bodies—because, let’s be real, ignoring those heart palpitations is a recipe for disaster. Brian shares his experience with getting screened, managing his condition, and the importance of being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to health concerns. Spoiler alert: it's not just about the next race; it's about longevity and living our best lives. Now, let’s pivot to a little something I like to call 'the supplement saga.' We took a detour to chat about a new product called CoreCtrl, which promises to help athletes manage their thermoregulation in warm environments. You know, the kind of environment where you feel like you’re running through a sauna. The twist? It actually has some science to back its claims, which is rare in the supplement world. We dig into the nitty-gritty of taurine, the star ingredient that claims to help you sweat like a fountain. But hold on a second, before you start chugging this stuff like it’s Gatorade, we discuss the caveats. There’s a lot to unpack, including the potential for increased fluid loss and the necessity of keeping those electrolytes in check. Because let’s face it, if you’re sweating buckets and not replacing those fluids, you might just turn into a dehydrated raisin. So, if you’re considering giving CoreCtrl a shot, make sure you're ready to play the hydration game. And just when you thought we’d wrap things up, we had a heartfelt discussion about the sport itself and the sobering reality of cardiac issues in endurance athletes. We reflect on how easy it is to brush off symptoms because, you know, we’re ‘fit’ and ‘healthy,’ right? Brian’s experiences serve as a wake-up call for all of us, especially as we age and our bodies start to throw us curveballs. The takeaway? Don’t ignore your body’s signals—get those check-ups and screenings done. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about crossing the finish line; it’s about what happens after that. So grab a protein bar, tune in, and let’s get serious about being fit and healthy, not just fit.

Segments:

[8:41]- Medical Mailbag: CoreCtrl

[38:11]- Interview: Bryan Dunn

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