Being fit won't reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, study states
| Sep 3, 2018, 15:54 IST
A recent study has found that even the fittest middle-aged athletes are still at a risk of cardiovascular conditions. A University of British Columbia studied how important it was for middle-aged athletes to get regular check-ups especially if they had high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a family history of cardiovascular disease. "We all know that exercise is good for us, it can help prevent a range of health problems and diseases, from cancer to depression," said Barbara Morrison, the study's lead author. "However, even if you are really active, our findings suggest that you still can't outrun your risk factors."
798 "masters athletes", adults aged 35 and older who engaged in physical activity that was moderate to vigorous, were studied for at least three days a week for this research. It was found that 94% of these athletes had significant cardiovascular diseases. 10 participants were even found to have severe coronary artery disease despite not showing any symptoms. "The good news is that cardiovascular disease is treatable," she said. "Medication has been proven to reduce mortality risk, and even more so in people who are active."
"There is no evidence that pushing exercise to the limit will make you live longer or your heart stronger, but when taken to the extreme, it may have the potential to do harm," said Morrison. "You should never push yourself so hard that you can't exercise the next day."
798 "masters athletes", adults aged 35 and older who engaged in physical activity that was moderate to vigorous, were studied for at least three days a week for this research. It was found that 94% of these athletes had significant cardiovascular diseases. 10 participants were even found to have severe coronary artery disease despite not showing any symptoms. "The good news is that cardiovascular disease is treatable," she said. "Medication has been proven to reduce mortality risk, and even more so in people who are active."
"There is no evidence that pushing exercise to the limit will make you live longer or your heart stronger, but when taken to the extreme, it may have the potential to do harm," said Morrison. "You should never push yourself so hard that you can't exercise the next day."