Health Blog

THE FLIP SIDE OF HEART ADAPTATION TO EXERCISE FOR ATHLETES AND FITNESS ENTHUSIASTS

Regular physical activity extends life expectancy, primarily by reducing the risk of premature death from heart disease, thanks to exercise's protective effects on the heart.

Over three decades ago, researchers started using heart ultrasounds to see how regular exercise affects the heart without being invasive. This sparked numerous studies delving into the changes seen in what we now call "athlete's heart."

Initially, it was believed the heart getting bigger from training was no big deal, but now it is understood it can have serious health effects. This shift in thinking comes from using advanced imaging to better study athletes, revealing that extensive training can mess with the heart, imitating diseases, and posing risks like sudden death or disease progression.

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