A recent study published in the Circulation journal revealed that extreme physical exercise can increase the risk of sudden heart attack or cardiovascular risk among unhealthy individuals. [1]
Everyone knows that running is a great way to get into shape, but it also can benefit almost every part of your body and lift your mood. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
High-intensity endurance activities, as compared to aerobic exercises, can cause atrial fibrillation or cardiac arrest. The study supported the cause and effect relationship between gradually increased physical exercise and decreased occurrence of heart ailments. Aerobic exercises such as swimming, walking, and running help you move your large muscles thereby promoting movement in a rhythmic and sustained manner.
Chair of the writing committee of the paper, Barry A. Franklin, commented on the research by saying, “Exercise is medicine, and there is no question that moderate to vigorous physical activity is beneficial to overall cardiovascular health. However, like medicine, it is possible to underdose and overdose on exercise – more is not always better and can lead to cardiac events, particularly when performed by inactive, unfit, individuals with known or undiagnosed heart disease.”
The aim of the study is to provide doctors and other health care professionals with proper information on how to advise patients on appropriating the right amount of time and energy to physical activity. The researchers involved in the study suggest building an exercise regimen from slow to moderate and then, maybe, vigorous, instead of taking it extensively from the first day itself. Franklin added, “It is important to start exercising – but go slow, even if you were an athlete in high school.”
