Dear Dr. K: I’m an 80-year-old man who spends summers on the coast of Maine. I love to swim in the ocean for 20 or 30 minutes each day. The water is cold (55 degrees F), but it doesn’t bother me. My real question is whether doing this is bad for my heart, because my heart rate is sometimes irregular. Are my cold-water swims OK?

Dear Reader: First of all, congratulations! Anyone who is 80 years old and is up to the challenge of a daily swim in the ocean deserves our admiration. You obviously have both courage and a zest for life.

Now, is it wise for you to swim in the cold ocean water? Swimming is an excellent exercise for your heart, arteries, lungs and muscles.

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