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Coronary heart disease in marathon runners
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|January 1, 1977
Summary
Highly trained marathon runners can develop coronary heart disease, including myocardial infarction. High fitness levels do not guarantee immunity from cardiovascular disease or atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Marathon running is associated with significant cardiovascular stress.
- Previous beliefs suggested high levels of physical fitness might confer immunity to coronary heart disease.
Observation:
- Six highly trained marathon runners experienced myocardial infarction (MI).
- Four cases of MI were angiographically proven, with significant coronary artery disease in three athletes.
- Athletes continued training and racing despite experiencing warning symptoms like chest pain.
Findings:
- High levels of physical fitness do not prevent coronary heart disease or atherosclerosis.
- Myocardial infarction can occur in marathon runners even without complete coronary artery occlusion.
- Exertional symptoms in athletes warrant serious medical attention.
Implications:
- Marathon runners are not immune to coronary heart disease.
- Exaggerated claims of marathon running conferring complete immunity are refuted.
- Athletes must be educated about the cardiac risks associated with exertional symptoms during endurance events.