Roller Coasters Increase Heart Rate to Dangerous Levels
Michael Russell, a 12-year-old boy who died after a ride on a Walt Disney World roller coaster, had a congenital heart defect that was found by autopsy today. The Disney-MGM’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster did not appear to have malfunctioned.
According to The Washington Post:
Researchers at the University Hospital of Mannheim in Germany put 55 healthy people on roller coasters and monitored their heart rates during the two-minute experience. Average heart rates rose from 89 beats per minute before the ride to 155 just afterward.
These rates are high enough to trigger rhythm problems, and two participants experienced different types of them. The study’s authors recommended that people with heart disease not ride coasters.
Pay heed to health warnings at public attractions. They’re not there to prevent you from having fun, but to keep you safe.
Technorati Tags: walt disney, roller coasters, rock n roller coaster, mgm, walt disney world, michael russell, congenital heart defect, heart, disease, heart disease
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Hearty News
9 opinions for Roller Coasters Increase Heart Rate to Dangerous Levels
Amélie
Jul 1, 2006 at 3:08 am
How awful for that little boy. My Mum always refused that I go on roller-coasters because of my heart problems. I know she was right, but it was so annoying when I was a teenager! I really thought there wouldn’t be a problem, but then when you see other people having problems and even dying, it puts everything into perspective.
Hsien-Hsien Lei, PhD
Jul 1, 2006 at 3:37 am
Amélie: Oh, yes. I’m glad you listened to her!
Dirty Butter
Jul 1, 2006 at 5:39 am
Don’t you know those parents are feeling an even greater sense of grief, knowing that their son’s death could have been prevented if they had just known he had a heart problem? What a tragedy and waste of a young life.
I have always been deathly afraid of roller coasters, so other than a few kiddie versions of them, I’ve never been on one. Those little ones were enough for me, thank you. I don’t think my heart could stand a really big one, based on the way my system reacted to the tame ones.
I voted for you on BLOG VILLAGE today.
Hsien-Hsien Lei, PhD
Jul 1, 2006 at 7:34 am
DB: This kind of story strikes fear into the hearts of parents for sure. Sadly, many congenital heart defects remain undiagnosed until the person finds themselves in a challenging situation like this. :(
angelo
Jul 3, 2006 at 12:01 am
phew… good thing I’m scared stiff to ride rollercoasters. Never ridden one in my life..
Hsien-Hsien Lei, PhD
Jul 3, 2006 at 5:16 am
Angelo: No kidding? I liked them when I was a teenager but now, I’d probably throw up or pee in my pants. :P
A Hearty Life » Can your heart take a roller coaster ride?
Mar 18, 2007 at 9:17 pm
[…] those involving the heart. Also read my previous post about 12-year-old Michael Russell who died after a ride on another Disney World roller […]
Janice
Oct 26, 2007 at 2:08 am
It was a shock to me and and everyone else that knew Michael. He was a normal boy that loved to wrestle and was very active. It just blew me away when this happened and come to find out that he had a congenital heart disease. I did not even know what that was until this happened. It still doesn’t seem real after all this time. His parents and brother are wonderful people and it is just sad what happened to Michael.
Rita Pardee
Aug 8, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Just curious if roller coaster’s are out for all children with congenital heart defects? My son has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and is getting to the age where he is asking to ride the more adult, scarier rides. Let me know if anyone out there has HLHS or a child with HLHS and share your experience.
Thanks
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: