Professional athletic trainer and sports journalist Ian MacMahan asked us that question as part of an article he published in The Atlantic Monthly magazine.
McMahan reported on recent research that raises concerns about ultra-endurance sports carried to an extreme level for many years. Such an exercise regimen increases one’s chance of having arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation, and may also cause scarring in the ventricle of the heart.
Some cardiologists have sounded alarm bells, comparing such exercise regimens to a “toxin.” In my opinion, it is not yet clear if long-term, high-intensity exercise alone is the cause of the problem, or if those affected have other factors that come into play. Nevertheless, the research should not be dismissed. Here are some highlights:Read more