shem banbury

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Health Overview


Shem Banbury
NHI: MJE6094
31st December 1978

  • Bradycardia: Athlete heart, mildly enlarged chambers, normal function, slow resting rate.
  • Vasovagal syncope episodes (2013 (x2) and 2025) triggered by viral illness/straining.
  • Mild coronary artery disease → on daily aspirin.
  • Heart remains structurally strong, with excellent long-term stability.

Health Timeline

2025 (Age 46)

Event: Collapse at home while going to the toilet.

  • Loss of consciousness, head strike.
  • Two vomiting episodes, chest tightness radiating to shoulder.
  • Wife Rachel reports ~2 minutes unresponsiveness.

Findings:

  • Bradycardia (slow HR ~35 pre-hospital, 23 in ED).
  • ECG: Sinus bradycardia, incomplete RBBB, short runs of PVCs.
  • Echo: Mildly dilated LV, normal systolic function.
  • Angiogram: Mild coronary artery disease detected (new compared to past normal angiograms).
  • Troponin mildly elevated (marker of heart strain).
  • CT brain: No bleeding after head knock.
  • Diagnosis: Vasovagal syncope in the context of bradycardia and possible minor CAD.
  • Treatment: IV atropine acutely, observation, cardiac monitoring.
    Discharge plan:
    Daily Aspirin 100mg for life (to reduce clot risk due to CAD).
    No driving for 2 weeks.
    No further follow-up unless symptoms recur.

2022 (Age 43)

  • Appendectomy

2021 (Age 42)

Clinic review:

  • Still evidence of athlete’s heart, stable over years (LV diastolic dimension ~6cm, systolic ~4mm).
  • Coronary angiogram previously normal.
  • Past vasovagal syncope episodes only in viral illness, non-recurrent.
  • ECG: Sinus rhythm, stable.
  • HR: ~48, BP: 114/70, very fit.
    Plan: Routine review in 4 years, no medications.

2017 (Age 38)

Review:

  • Stable echo and MRI findings.
  • Still consistent with athlete’s heart.
  • No palpitations, chest discomfort, or recent fainting.
  • Excellent fitness, competing in triathlons and ironman events.
    Conclusion: Heart findings protective long-term, no barriers to health or travel insurance.
    Medications: None.

2014 (Age 35)

Follow-up echos and MRI: Showed stable mild chamber dilatation with preserved systolic function (normal pumping ability).
Confirmed diagnosis: Athlete’s heart (benign adaptation to endurance training).
Plan: Continue training, long-term monitoring, reassurance provided — no pathology.

2013 (Age 34)

Event: 22nd Sept 2013 – Collapse/blackout with chest tightness after run.

Investigations:

  • Cardiac MRI: No evidence of myocarditis or structural disease.
  • Diagnosis of athlete’s heart — enlarged but healthy heart due to training.
  • High sensitivity troponin was slightly elevated, but thought to be a false positive.
  • Coronary arteries normal on imaging.

Assessment: Vasovagal syncope likely, in the context of viral illness/exercise.