Long-distance running could increase some people’s risk of heart attack

It’s the perfect time of year to take advantage of the invigorating weather and go outside for a run. Running is the third-most popular form of exercise in the United States, behind walking and weightlifting. It has proved to be good for the heart and offers long-term health benefits. But should you be concerned about running too much?

The answer is both yes and no, according to heart experts.

“In general, running reduces the risk of heart disease,” said Dr. Ari Paley, a cardiologist with Maple Medical in White Plains. “However, there’s a bit of controversy surrounding competitive and endurance running. Recent reports suggest that there may be an increase in cardiac events associated with long-distance running, especially if it’s very high endurance, such as marathons and ultramarathons.”

According to a 2012 review published in the Mayo Clinic’s medical journal, veteran endurance athletes in sports such as marathon or ultramarathon running have been noted to have a fivefold increase in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation can lead to blood clots, strokes, heart failure and other heart-related complications. For those who aren’t competitive athletes, the review also highlighted the benefits that long-distance running can have on one’s life expectancy. People who exercise regularly have markedly lower rates of disability and a mean life expectancy that is seven years longer than that of people who are physically inactive, according to the review.

In healthy adults, running should cause no harm, and the benefits of running far outweigh the risks.

“Long-distance running is probably one of the best exercises you can do,” said Dr. David Solarz, a cardiologist with White Plains Hospital Physician Associates. “Generally, starting out slow, with six-minute intervals, is safer for your heart and also your knees and hips. However, before you start, it is important to consult your physician to see if it is safe, especially if you have not performed at this level before.”

Your doctor will likely ask questions that might require further screening to rule out a problem. In addition, pay attention to your body during every run, Solarz said. If you notice chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath or palpitations, stop running and seek medical attention immediately.

“The safest way to get adequate activity and keep your risk down is to shoot for 30 to 45 minutes of aerobic exercise to the point of breaking a sweat, with a heart rate that is 60 to 80% of the maximal age-predicted heart rate,” Solarz explained.

So, for a 45-year-old man whose heartbeat should not go over 175 beats per minute, this means a target heart rate of 105 to 140 beats per minute as part of moderate exercise. There are a variety of ways to reduce your risk of heart disease, and the first is knowing your numbers. You’ll find more detailed information on the importance of knowing your numbers here.

While more research is required to determine the exact amount of endurance activity that is safe, there’s no question that regular activity is good for the heart, and exercise should always be a part of your daily routine. No sport is completely risk-free, but find something you enjoy, and try and get 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week to live a longer and healthier life.

Dr. David Solarz is a board-certified cardiologist who practices at 33 Davis Ave. in White Plains, New York. For more information, call 914-849-7180 or to request an appointment visit: https://www.wphpa.org.

Dr. Ari Paley is board-certified in cardiology, nuclear cardiology and echocardiography. He practices at 30 Davis Ave. in White Plains, New York. For more information, call 914-328-2355 or visit http://maplemedical.com/.