Cardiovascular risk among ultra-endurance runners

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Cardiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Conventional cardiovascular risk factors are a significant concern for athletes.
• Ultra-endurance running is increasingly popular, necessitating an understanding of associated health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in ultra-endurance runners.
• To identify clinical correlates associated with these risk factors.

Main Methods:

• An electronic internet survey was used to collect data.
• The survey characterized modifiable cardiovascular risk factors: diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, tobacco exposure, and obesity (BMI > 30).
• Participants were competitive ultra-endurance runners.

Main Results:

• Among 290 respondents (mean age 42±11 years, 31.4% female), 36.6% had at least one cardiovascular risk factor.
• Female sex, younger age, and prior high school or collegiate sports participation were linked to fewer risk factors.
• No significant association was found between risk factor status and weekly running hours or years of ultra-endurance competition.
• Runners with risk factors were more likely to report concerns about excessive alcohol use.

Conclusions:

• Conventional cardiovascular risk factors are common in ultra-endurance runners.
• Early-life participation in competitive sports, rather than adult exercise habits, appears protective against cardiovascular risk factors in middle age.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this 'legacy effect' of early exercise on cardiovascular health in aging athletes.