Sport with Significant Risk of Sudden, Lethal Outcomes
Elite Bodybuilding Linked to Higher Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death
Researchers from the University of Padua in Italy have discovered that professional bodybuilding can significantly elevate the risk of sudden cardiac death, particularly among elite athletes. The findings of this study were published in the European Heart Journal (EHJ).
A comprehensive analysis of health data collected from over 20,000 bodybuilders over an eight-year period revealed 73 cases of sudden death, predominantly due to cardiac arrest. The study highlights a heightened risk among participants in top international competitions, with a 14-fold increase in the risk of cardiac death compared to amateur bodybuilders.
Although some cases were linked to the abuse of anabolic steroids and other substances, the majority of those who succumbed to cardiac death exhibited pathological changes in the heart, such as thickening of the left ventricle wall and an overall substantial increase in the organ's mass.
Extreme physical exertion, stringent diets, and stimulating substances were identified by the scientists as significant stressors on the cardiovascular system. Consequently, they urge sports federations and the medical community to expeditiously establish official guidelines for monitoring health and preventing sudden death among athletes, especially at the professional level.
Previously, the popular notion about abdominal exercises has been debunked.
In light of these findings, experts advocate for regular cardiovascular screenings, including resting electrocardiograms, exercise testing, and echocardiograms, to detect cardiac maladaptations like increased wall thickness, cardiomegaly, and associated arrhythmias. These screenings are vital for early detection of cardiovascular issues that commonly affect bodybuilders.
Pre-participation screening, education and awareness, strengthened anti-doping measures, a cultural shift within the bodybuilding community, and collaboration with sports federations are also recommended to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death and ensure safer participation in professional bodybuilding.
- The unexpected death of some elite bodybuilders may not solely be attributed to the abuse of performance-enhancing substances, but also to pathological changes in the heart such as left ventricle wall thickening and cardiomegaly, as revealed by the study in the European Heart Journal (EHJ).
- With the heightened risk of sudden cardiac death among professional bodybuilders, health-and-wellness practices like regular cardiovascular screenings and fitness-and-exercise regimens should be emphasized to address the identified cardiovascular stressors.
- The sports analysis of professional bodybuilding has brought to light the need for implementing pre-participation screening, education and awareness, strengthened anti-doping measures, a cultural shift within the bodybuilding community, and collaboration with sports federations to mitigate the risk of sudden cardiac death and ensure a safer environment for athletes.
