Your Heart Gets Tired Too

Disorders Cure

oi-Suparna Chakaraborthy

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Monday, March 22, 2010, 15:55

Exercise and sports are good for health and especially heart. This statement all of us have heard our fathers telling us early in the morning urging us to take interest in games. But we now add on to this statement, 'excess of anything is bad.' New research have declared that training for marathons can cause formerly healthy people to develop cardiovascular problems like increased blood pressure and stiffness in the aorta, says a new study.

Despina Kardara confirmed that our body's cardiovascular system is like a sports car engine. If not used, it will decay and if over used, it will burn out.

In the study, 49 marathon runners were studies who were preparing for the 26.2-mile race. The participants underwent straneous workout for about 10 to 19 hours a week over periods ranging from two to 20 years. They were then compared to a group of 46 people of similar age, height and risk factors who weren't endurance athletes.

Researchers measured stiffness in the runners' aortas using pulse wave velocity, and found that marathon runners had higher than average wave velocity, thus indicating an increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

"Stiffening simply means that when the heart contracts your blood pressure goes up more than it would in someone with less stiff arteries. It has been known for years that even though exercise is thought to reduce the risk of heart disease, when you''re actually engaged in the physical activity, the risk of death goes up." said Paul D. Thompson.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.