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Vigorous exercise raises heart risk

Recent research suggests that as the frequency of vigorous exercise increases, so does the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Vigorous exercise raises heart risk

Recent research suggests that as the frequency of vigorous exercise increases, so does the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Although vigorous exercise has numerous health benefits, case reports and limited data suggest that elite athletic en engaging in endurance exercise may be at higher risk for the development of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart rhythm disorder, usually involving a rapid heart rate, in which the upper heart chambers (atria) contract in a disorganised and abnormal manner. This can cause an insufficient amount of blood to be pumped through the heart. Although the condition is usually well controlled with treatment, AF can lead to fainting, heart failure and stroke.

To explore this, researchers analysed data from 16,921 apparently healthy American men. During follow-up, 1,661 men developed AF. The participants answered questionnaires that included questions on vigorous exercise, defined as exercise that makes the exerciser sweat. The analysis showed that vigorous exercise 5 to 7 days per week increased the risk of AF by 20 percent when compared with participants who did not do vigorous exercise.

Upon further analysis of the subgroup of vigorous exercisers, the association was only apparent in men younger than 50 years of age and in joggers - the risk of AF was elevated by 74 percent among younger men and by 53 percent among joggers.

The frequency of vigorous exercise was directly associated with a higher risk of developing AF in young men and joggers. This risk decreased as the population aged and was offset by known beneficial effects of vigorous exercise on other AF risk factors.

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