Too much exercise may trigger heart problems

Washington: Endurance athletes, who train and race frequently, may experience a high rate of unusual heart rhythms called arrhythmia, the Discovery News reported.
A Swedish study, presented at the ESC Congress 2011, has found that cross-country skiers with a long history of endurance training have higher incidence of arrhythmia.
Arrhythmia, which is often harmless, can sometimes lead to strokes and other serious problems.
Johan Sundstrom, a cardiovascular epidemiologist at Uppsala University said, “People who are exercising a lot should probably learn how to identify the symptoms of atrial fibrillation and seek counselling if they get it.”
Sundstrom emphasized that exercise is essential for overall health and that the vast majority of people would do well to get more of it, not less.
“I would be worried if people thought cross-country skiing, for example, to be dangerous. That would be an unlucky headline,” he added.
“We’re looking at extreme amounts of training. Most people need to get off the couch and exercise a little bit,” said Sundstrom.

 

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