Current Controlled Trials in Cardiovascular Medicine (Nov 2000)

Sudden vigorous exercise associated with increased risk of death

Lyford Joanna,
Albert CM,
Mittleman MA,
Chae CU,
Lee IM,
Hennekens CH,
Manson JE

Affiliations

Lyford Joanna
Albert CM
Mittleman MA
Chae CU
Lee IM
Hennekens CH
Manson JE

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/cvm-2001-72062
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 2
pp. 72062 – 1411

Abstract

No abstracts available.

A related editorial (see Additional information), states that this research accentuates the paradoxical relationship between exercise and a healthy heart, increasing the risk of sudden death for those with coronary artery disease but also offering cardiac protection in those who exercise regularly. The physiological basis of this effect is due to vigorous exercise affecting the sympathetic nervous system, which decreases vagal activity, catalyzes plaque vulnerability and triggers atrial fibrillation. Conversely, habitual exercise increases vagal tone and cardiac electrical stability, in addition to favorably modifying lipid and hemodynamic profiles. 'Vigorous physical exertion can be regarded as a two-edged sword', the related editorial states. 'The findings must be placed in the broader context of all the available data and not seen as negating the potential long-term cardioprotective benefits of habitual exercise.'

Published in Current Controlled Trials in Cardiovascular Medicine

ISSN: 1468-6708 (Print); 1468-6694 (Online)
Publisher: BMC
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Medicine: Medicine (General)
Website: https://trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/

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