Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
In 1924, famous cardiologist Paul Dudley White claimed
that "exercise can’t hurt a healthy heart". Over the years, several
poorly-controlled studies have shown that ultra-endurance
events, such a running a marathon, might impair heart function.
Now a study from Northwestern University shows that Dr. White
is still correct (Journal of the American Society of
Echocardiography, February 2006). The authors tested 45
patients before they ran the Chicago Marathon and re-tested
them one month after the race. They demonstrated that the race
had not caused any abnormalities in heart function.
This does not mean that everyone can go out and run a
marathon. People who have damaged hearts can die from over-
exertion. If you are a middle-aged person who is thinking about
starting a vigorous exercise program, you should get a stress
test, an electrocardiogram done while you are exercising
vigorously. Tests done while a person is at rest often do not pick
up blockages in the arteries leading to the heart. If your stress
test shows warning signs, you may need further tests. If you
pass your stress test, the odds are strong that you can start your
exercise program safely. Once you have your doctor's approval,
begin your exercise program gradually to build up the strength of
your skeletal muscles and your heart over several months. Then
you will be ready to start serious training for your marathon or
other endurance event.
June 15, 2006