Three new articles published in CJC Open and the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggest that the benefits of participating in sports and other recreational physical activities outweigh the risks, even for people with heart disease.
The three studies measured causes and risks of recreation-related deaths, particularly for individuals with preexisting heart conditions. In certain susceptible individuals, physical activity may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events such as sudden cardiac death. Many caregivers and family physicians of those with heart disease have reservations about individuals with heart disease participating to sports, especially endurance sports. In general, previous recommendations for people with heart disease have included significant limitations on participation in sports. However, these new studies suggest that the benefits of activity are likely to outweigh the risks.
The three new studies, along with other previous studies, indicated that sudden death while participating in sports is an extremely rare event, although it may seem more common due to the publicity of such events. Additionally, heart conditions that may increase the risk of heart attacks or other heart problems during sports are generally less dangerous than most people believe. While individuals with heart disease often have a slightly increased risk of problems during exercise, the health benefits of exercise are likely to outweigh the risks. Rather than a blanket recommendation to not exercise, the authors recommend that each individual make their own decisions with the knowledge that engaging in vigorous physical activity is relatively safe for most people with heart disease.
The studies, which were conducted in Quebec, showed that cycling, hockey, and hunting were at the top of the list of leisure activities with the highest number of natural deaths (the vast majority of which were sudden cardiac deaths). However, the authors pointed out that many people also die of cardiac arrest while sleeping, sitting, or doing chores. In general, a sedentary lifestyle is more likely to damage one’s health than regularly participating in sports and other physical activities.
Sources: Elsevier, Science Daily
