Is too much exercise bad for your heart?

Elite athletes who compete in endurance events like cycling and marathons are five times more likely to develop life-threatening heart issues, research suggests.

South Australian researchers are investigating the link between exercising for prolonged periods and an increased risk of heart problems such as arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.

“If left untreated, some of these arrhythmia can lead to long term consequences, (there) can be some fatal consequences,” Dr Adrian Elliott from Adelaide University said.

He said people do not normally associate healthy activity with increased heart problems.

“Regularly engaging in exercise beyond the recommended guidelines may have less beneficial consequences on the heart, particularly in the long-term,” Dr Elliott said.

Several local and international cyclists have already gone under the knife to fix problems.

“Recently there have been cyclists who are involved in the Tour de France for example who have had surgical procedures to correct the arrhythmia,” he said.

Adelaide University is looking for 120 athletes to join a study.

Little is known about the health impacts of endurance training on women and researchers are hoping they will be well-represented in the study.

They want to hear from runners, cyclists and other endurance sportspeople in the metropolitan area of Adelaide – whether professional or amateur.

Participants will undergo heart rhythm monitoring, a cardiac ultrasound and a blood test.

To find out more about the study or to join, phone 8313 3194 or email adrian.elliott@adelaide.edu.au or daniel.zare-saisan@student.adelaide.edu.au