Roller Coasters Increase Heart Rate to Dangerous Levels
June 30, 2006 by Lei
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
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.
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