Heart Study Points to Dangerous Pace Risk for Endurance Athletes Over 50

Years of high-intensity exercise may carry unexpected heart risk for male endurance athletes over 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 of 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 be life-threatening if it continues. Three out of four of the athletes who had these episodes showed evidence of myocardial scarring.

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

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

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According to the American Heart Association, regular physical activity (even just 30 minutes most days) can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Cardiologists at the Cleveland Clinic also say that exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation and promotes overall cardiovascular health.

The findings suggest that while long-term resistance training may carry risks for a small subset of older athletes, the exercise itself remains overwhelmingly beneficial.

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“Athletes who developed abnormal heart rhythms did not exercise more or harder than athletes without abnormal heart rhythms,” Javed said.

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

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Researchers say older male athletes, especially those with a long competitive history, should consider regular cardiovascular screening and discuss symptoms such as unexplained dizziness, palpitations or shortness of breath with a doctor. Wearable heart monitoring devices can also help detect irregular rhythms early.

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“Exercise is safe and has immense benefits, but athletes in this group must undergo regular health checks to ensure they stay healthy,” Javed said.