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March 14, 2005
Why distance runners have higher rates of sudden cardiac death than other athletes
Now let's look at the physical effects of long-duration exercise by considering the extreme example of continuous- duration conditioned athletes such as long- distance runners. The marathon originated with the professional Athenian distance runner, Pheidippides, in 490 B.C. He achieved fame by running 26.2 miles from Marathon to Athens. He announced the victory of the Greeks over the Persian navy at Marathon, then "collapsed of exhaustion and died."
Also consider the story of marathoner, Jim Fixx, who preached that long-duration cardiovascular endurance training was the best method for achieving optimal health. He practiced what he preached, right up to the moment he dropped dead of a heart attack - while running.
Every year very well-conditioned long-distance runners suffer sudden cardiac death. Distance runners have higher rates of sudden cardiac death than other athletes do. Modern marathons have emergency stations specifically equipped to handle the abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and other cardiac emergencies that can be expected to occur. This increased risk appears regardless of culture or diet.
Long-distance running has a detrimental effect on the health of your blood fats. Scientists in Barcelona, Spain, examined the blood of long-distance runners and found that after a workout they experienced an increase in both the blood levels of and the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Worse yet, a report in the American Journal of Cardiology found that distance running disrupted the balance of blood thinners and thickeners, elevating clotting levels and inflammatory factors. These changes are signs of heart distress, not a heart that's becoming stronger after exercise.
To read more about this topic order Al Sears MD's The Doctor's Heart Cure today.
Posted by james at March 14, 2005 5:00 AM