372 23% of race entrants in a mass-participation community-based 100 mile cycling race report a pre-race long-term medical condition

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Medical encounters in mass-participation community-based cycling events are not uncommon and may be related to underlying chronic disease or risk factors for chronic disease in race participants. <h3>Objective</h3> To describe the prevalence of medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, amongst participants in a mass-participation community-based cycling race. <h3>Design</h3> Cross-sectional observational study. <h3>Setting</h3> 100mile mass-participation community-based cycling race. <h3>Participants</h3> All participants who had registered to take part in the event were invited to complete an online medical survey in the week before the event. 4099 cyclists (16.8% of 24431 finishers) completed the survey and were included in the analysis. <h3>Assessment of Risk Factors</h3> Prevalence (%) of cyclists with risk factors including age and gender, medical history, smoking and use of medication. <h3>Results</h3> The average age of respondents was 46 years (range 18–80 years; 41% were &gt;50 years) and 76% were male. Respondents trained for an average 83 miles per week over 16 weeks for the event. 28% of all respondents reported using a prescription medication while the prevalence of a long-term medical condition (LTMC) was 23%. The prevalence of specific CVD risk factors or medical conditions in all respondents was: males &gt; 50 years (34.8%; n=1428), current or ex-smokers (32.1%; n=1314), hypertension (4.2%; n=171), a known cardiac disease (including atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction) (2.2%; n=91). 3.6% were taking medication for hyperlipidaemia (n=149). <h3>Conclusions</h3> In a sample of entrants for a mass-participation community-based 100-mile cycling event, approximately 1 in 3 participants reported prescription medication use, and 1 in 4 reported a long-term medical condition. Risk factors for CVD were reported by a third of entrants, while 2.2% reported a known CVD. Medical teams at such events should be prepared to manage medical complications related to long term medical conditions and CVD risk.