Dangerous sports: what exercises increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest

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About the benefits of physical exercises to maintain the health of the cardiovascular system are known to everyone. According to a review in Circulation, people who exercised 150 minutes a week had a 14% lower risk of coronary heart disease than those who ignored exercise. However, exercise can increase the risk of heart problems.

This is, first of all, long-term and high-intensity physical activity. Researchers analyzed the effects of extreme exercise and concluded that it can dramatically, albeit temporarily, increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in people with heart problems.

In Canada, a survey of athletes aged 12 to 45 years revealed 74 cases of heart attacks during the entire history of observations. Thus, the incidence rate is 0.76 cases per 100,000 athletes per year. At the same time, 16 attacks occurred during sports competitions. A study of marathon runners found that even after the race, the athletes' blood samples contained biomarkers associated with heart damage. The results were published by the US National Library of Medicine.

Scientists concluded that constant high-intensity training and endurance competitions can lead to heart damage and rhythm disturbances. Those with genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease are particularly vulnerable.