Endurance sport and cardiac injury

Abstract

Since years there are constantly appearing reports about a potential myocardial injury induced by intensive sporting activities. The spectacular sudden deaths during marathon, football and, just recently, in the trend discipline triathlon seem to support that view. In addition, reports about the “athlete`s heart” and complications in the elderly causes uncertainty among those, hoping that sporting activity will lead to weight reduction or will improve diabetes or general fitness. Endurance athletes – professionals as well as hobby-athletes – and many sports physicians feel also insecure. Here the mental attitude can make the difference between victory and defeat. The complex issue makes it difficult to give direct answers and recommendations. Some reports capture for themselves having found the answers for “negative cardiac remodeling” caused by sporting activities, partially with spectacular results concerning a right ventricular overload or a left ventricular dysfunction directly after physical activity. This report tries to reflect in a critical way to what extent the statements of these studies are objectively justified, how far sporting activities could be dangerous and what kind of cardiac damage might be expected.