Could too much exercise be toxic?
- Jul 3, 2016
- 1 min read
It's been well-established that regular exercise is a key component to a healthy life, but when it comes to physical fitness, can too much be a bad thing?
Possibly, according to new research.
A review published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology states that there's growing evidence that high levels of intense exercise may be toxic to the heart. The research suggests exercising too hard and for too long may promote permanent structural changes in the heart, which could potentially lead to abnormal heartbeats.
However, experts emphasize that this research refers to high intensity endurance exercise, not your typical fitness routine.
"We're really talking about people who engage in marathons, triathlons, things of that sort. Many, many hours of very intense training and endurance. We're not talking about people who are working out two to three times a week for an hour or two," Dr. Nesochi Igbokwe of NYU Langone Medical Center told CBS News.
According to the American Heart Association, atrial fibrillation, or AFib, can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
The study authors are quick to note that questioning the risks of too much exercise in no way undermines the evidence for the many benefits of physical activity. But that doesn't mean studying the potential dangers is any less important.
Comments