Regular endurance exercise is known to be a major factor for helping to reeuce the risk of cardiovascular disease in older athlete. However, a new study published in the British Medical Journal suggests that older athletes are by no means immune from heart disease, and should still have regular health check ups.
In the study, researchers followed 798 masters athletes (adults aged 35 and older who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity at least three days a week) including from runners, cyclists, triathletes and rowers. All participants were asked a range of questions about their health, family history and physical activity levels. They also had their blood pressure checked and waist circumference measured. Some participants also took part in an exercise stress test – those with abnormal results underwent further testing to determine if they had cardiovascular disease.
Of the 798 athletes, 94 (11 per cent) were found to have significant cardiovascular disease. More worringly, ten participants were found to have severe coronary artery disease (a blockage in their artery of 70 per cent or greater) despite not having any symptoms.
The researchers went on to make three key recommendations:
*Masters athletes are NOT immune to elevated cardiac risk and should be evaluated for cardiovascular risk factors (including lipid profile), family history of CORONARY ARTERIAL DISEASE (CAD) and concerning symptoms, and undergo a resting ECG.
*Masters athletes, regardless of fitness level, with a family history of premature CAD, abnormal ECG and cardiovascular risk factors may benefit from undergoing a maximal exercise stress test (EST).
*Masters athletes with a high FRS, and abnormal EST, ECG or physical exam (ie, diastolic murmur or systolic click), should undergo clinically indicated examinations to confirm or exclude CVD, as recommended by a sports cardiologist.
You can read the full study here: https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/4/1/e000370.
in Endurance health and lifestyle, Recovery nutrition, Recovery strategies, Training structure and planning
New research suggests that late evening training sessions can alter gastrointestinal function. Sports Performance Bulletin investigates MORE
in Coping with emotions, Endurance health and lifestyle, Endurance injuries and health, Endurance psychology
Can psychological stress be a significant risk factor for injury risk? Peak Performance looks at some fascinating research MORE
in Endurance health and lifestyle, Immunity, Recovery strategies
Sports Performance Bulletin looks at brand new research on probiotic supplementation and post-exercise immunity following marathon running MORE
in Endurance health and lifestyle, Endurance injuries and health
Peak Performance looks at new evidence suggesting that excessively high training loads could be detrimental for long-term athlete health MORE
in Endurance health and lifestyle, Muscles and tendons
Are lifelong older runners at increased risk of injury due to chronic loading of tendons and ligaments? Peak Performance looks some key evidence MORE
in Endurance health and lifestyle, Endurance injuries and health, Overuse injuries
Can the use of the ‘acute to chronic workload ratio’ formula really reduce the risk of injury? Peak Performance looks at brand new research… MORE
The latest triathlon research and best practice findings, covering improving technique, strength and conditioning, and endurance nutrition
The latest findings from running science with practical advice showing you how you can run further and faster whilst staying in peak health
