Heart study flags dangerous rhythm risk for endurance athletes over 50

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Years of high-intensity exercise may come with an unexpectedheart riskfor male endurance athletes over the age of 50, according to new research from the University of Leeds.

The study, published earlier this month in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, found that some endurance athletes over the age of 50 experienced potentially dangerous heart rhythm disturbances during or shortly after exercise, particularly those with scarring in the heart muscle.

Researchers followed 106 healthy male runners and cyclists using wearable activity trackers and implantable heart monitors.

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About one in four experienced episodes of ventricular tachycardia, a rapid heart rhythm that can become life-threatening if sustained.Three in four of the athletes who had these episodes showed evidence of myocardial scarring.

An elderly man with white hair and wearing a red shirt and glasses runs in a race.

A new study found that some endurance athletes older than 50 experienced potentially dangerous heart rhythm disturbances during or after exercise.(iStock)

“Our study shows that exercise was only associated with a risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms in those who were already high risk due to heart scarring,” lead author Wasim Javed said.

Researchers note that about 90% of exercise-related sudden cardiac deaths occur inmales over 40, often without warning signs.

An elderly man rides a bicycle in the woods while wearing a helmet.

Researchers followed 106 healthy male runners and cyclists using wearable activity trackers and implantable heart monitors.(iStock)

The findings suggest that whilelong-term endurance trainingmay carry risks for a small subset of older athletes, exercise itself remains overwhelmingly beneficial.

Experts say regular physical activity and exercise can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. (iStock)

“This suggests that exercise itself is not the cause but could act as a trigger for dangerous heart rhythms in those athletes already with an underlying heart issue.”

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Researchers sayolder male athletes, especially those with long competitive histories, should consider regular cardiovascular screening and discuss symptoms like unexplained dizziness, palpitations or breathlessness with a doctor.Wearable heart-monitoring devices may also help detect irregular rhythms early.

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“Exercise is safe and has immense benefits, but athletes in this group should haveregular health checksto make sure they stay healthy,” Javed said.

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