Male triathletes’ hearts are at higher risk

A new study asserts that males, who participate in triathlons are putting their hearts at risk of several health issues.

The participants in the study were 55 male athletes with an average age of 44 years and 30 female athletes with an average age of 43 years. All the participants were competitors of triathlons. i.e., sequential endurance competitions of swimming, cycling and running.

After the analysis, it was reported that 18% of male participants experienced scarring of the heart, also known as myocardial fibrosis. While none of the female participants reported single sign of any heart-related health issue. The condition of myocardial fibrosis affects pumping in chambers and ultimately, results in heart failure.

Study’s lead author, Dr. Jitka Starekova, Radiological Society of North America, said clinical relevance of these scars is currently unclear, but it could be broadly understood that these might create a base for future risk of heart failure and arrhythmia.

Though regular exercise is good for the heart health, but some of the previous researches reported myocardial fibrosis in elite athletes.

Starekova said, “Although we cannot prove the exact mechanism for the development of myocardial fibrosis in triathletes, increased systolic blood pressure during exercise, the amount and extent of race distances and unnoticed myocarditis could be co-factors in the genesis of the condition.”
She further suggested that repetition of any extreme athletic activity is not good for anyone.

Source:webmd.com