Latest news with #EuropeanHeartJournal
Medscape
11 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Muscle Gains vs Heart Strain: A Deadly Trade-off?
Sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs) appear to be more frequent among men who practice bodybuilding, particularly those competing at high levels. A global study of more than 20,000 athletes is the first to report the incidence of sudden death in this population. As the author noted in the European Heart Journal , the aim was not to demonize bodybuilding but to promote safer practices. Bodybuilding focuses on increasing muscle mass and definition through physical exercise and a targeted diet. Unlike traditional sports, bodybuilding competitions evaluate the aesthetics of the body rather than athletic performance. Researchers identified 20,286 men who had competed in the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) events between 2005 and 2020. Using web-based searches, they determined which athletes died. Over a mean follow-up period of 8.1 ± 3.8 years, there were 121 deaths. Among the 99 cases with documented causes, 73 were sudden. The mean age at the time of death was 45 years. Of the 55 nontraumatic sudden deaths — excluding those from car accidents, suicide, or homicide — 46 were classified as SCDs. The overall incidence of deaths (sudden and nonsudden) was 63.61 per 100,000 person-years. Among active competitors, those who died within 1 year of their last IFBB event, the rate rose to 80.58. The incidence of SCDs was 24.18 in the entire cohort and 32.83 among competing athletes, who had a mean age of just 35 years at death. Professional bodybuilders had a fivefold higher risk for SCD than recreational bodybuilders (hazard ratio, 5.23 [3.58-7.64]). Available autopsies showed the presence of cardiomegaly and severe ventricular hypertrophy in 4 out of 5 cases. Risk Factors The study pointed to a broader issue in addition to bodybuilders, which could also affect nonprofessional athletes who practice strength training. What are the possible causes? Univadis Italy , a Medscape Network platform, asked Marco Vecchiato, MD, a specialist and researcher in the Sports and Exercise Medicine Division at the University of Padua, Padua, Italy, and the coordinator of the study. 'Our study had epidemiological purposes and was not designed to identify, in a cause-effect manner, the mechanisms underlying these premature deaths. However, the literature in the field has advanced some plausible hypotheses, suggesting that a combination of factors could contribute significantly to the increased risk,' said Vecchiato. These include: Intense training regimens, such as high-intensity workouts, place major strain on the cardiovascular (CV) and muscular systems. Extreme dietary practices, such as high protein intake and repeated weight cycling between off-season and on-season periods, can place significant stress on metabolic and CV systems. Dehydration techniques, such as rapid fluid loss before events using hydro-saline protocols or diuretics, can be dangerous. The use of doping substances, especially anabolic steroids and similar agents, can severely harm the CV, kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Doping Impact 'It is important to underline that, to date, there are no studies that have exclusively investigated the risk for death and SCD in a population of bodybuilders with the guarantee of not taking doping substances. However, recent evidence published in first-time journals and with long-term monitoring suggested a clear difference in terms of cumulative mortality between athletes with and without a history of anabolic steroid abuse,' said Vecchiato. He noted that performance-enhancing drug use is likely to be widespread at the highest competitive levels. In the US, where bodybuilding is more structured and athletes face intense competitive and aesthetic pressure with serious psychophysical consequences, many athletes speak openly about the use of performance-enhancing drugs. However, in Italy, 'The issue remains mostly hidden and is often not perceived as a medical risk but as 'a necessary means' to obtain a certain physique,' he said. Uncertain Rules Athletes are generally required to undergo regular medical checkups, but does the same apply to bodybuilders? 'In Italy, there are numerous bodybuilding federations, each with its own rules and requirements for membership. Some of these clearly state the obligation to present a competitive sports medical certificate, while others do not mention any specific medical requirements, thus allowing membership even in the absence of a health assessment. In these cases, the activity is not formally classified as a sport but rather as an activity for aesthetic purposes, which allows you to bypass some obligations required for competitive sports, including medical certification,' Vecchiato explained. Although not formally required by regulations, a sports center or gym may still ask a bodybuilder to provide a noncompetitive medical certificate, often for insurance purposes. Under Italian law, such certification is not mandatory for individuals engaging in noncompetitive physical activity unless they are affiliated with a national sports federation or a sports promotion body recognized by the Italian National Olympic Committee, which oversees organized sports and fitness initiatives in the country. 'This heterogeneous regulatory situation means that some athletes are subjected to in-depth sports medical check-ups annually, including a baseline electrocardiogram, stress test, spirometry, urine test, and any further investigations of a higher order, while others receive an evaluation with only an electrocardiogram in resting conditions. Finally, a nonnegligible portion of subjects may never be subjected to any structured medical evaluation, not even when starting or continuing the activity practiced,' he said. 'The first contact with a doctor can therefore only occur after the onset of advanced signs or symptoms, sometimes linked to already structured CV or metabolic damage, making any form of secondary prevention potentially late,' he said. These signs warrant cardiologic or psychological evaluation. 'The general practitioner can play a key role in recognizing warning signs (excessive muscle hypertrophy, extreme weight fluctuations, suspected use of illicit substances, marked and sudden mood changes in the absence of diagnosed mental illnesses, gynecomastia, extensive acne in adults not present during puberty, etc.) and directing them towards cardiological or psychological investigations,' warned Vecchiato. He also noted that 15% of SCDs in this population were traumatic. Obsessive body transformation goals, extreme practices, and substance misuse increase the risk for impulsive or self-harming behavior. This reinforces the need to prioritize the mental health of athletes. Vecchiato concluded that 'in addition to an intensified antidoping practice, the introduction of targeted CV screening and educational campaigns could significantly reduce the associated risks.' Raising awareness can encourage athletes to adopt safer training and nutrition programs and diets, to be supervised by a physician, and to refuse doping.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Is extreme bodybuilding putting your heart at risk? Here's what the study says
For a sport that glorifies control, strength, and discipline, bodybuilding conceals a sobering truth—behind the muscle and dedication lies a disproportionately high risk of sudden cardiac death. Bodybuilders push their limits through intense exercise, strict diets, and in some cases, the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs. While the result is a sculpted body, it comes at a cost, and as per a recent study, the tradeoff is human life being cut short. That stark conclusion is drawn from a large-scale study published on May 20 in the European Heart Journal. Researchers tracked 20,286 male bodybuilders who had competed in at least one bodybuilding event between 2005 and 2020. The findings revealed that professional bodybuilders were twice as likely to die from sudden cardiac death as the general population—and five times more likely than amateur bodybuilders. 'Our findings show that the risk of death among male bodybuilders is considerably high. Professional athletes had a markedly higher incidence of sudden cardiac death, suggesting that the level of competition might contribute to this increased risk,' said study co-author Dr. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Zumbido e perda de audição? Médico revela técnica caseira de 1 real para aliviar! Zumbido no ouvido Undo Marco Vecchiato, sports medicine specialist at the University of Padova, Italy. A global Pattern The study identified 121 deaths among competitive bodybuilders, with the average age at death just 45. Of these, about 40% were sudden and heart-related, often caused by underlying, often undetected, cardiac issues. The breakdown of deaths by geography painted a global picture of the crisis: North America: 40.5% (mostly USA) Europe: 38.8% Asia: 7.4% Africa: 6.6% South America: 5% Oceania: 1.7% The data was compiled through official records, social media posts, news reports, forums, and blogs in five different languages. Death reports were meticulously cross-verified and analyzed by two clinicians to confirm the cause of death. The cardiac cost of building muscle Autopsy findings from some of the deceased athletes showed signs of thickened or enlarged hearts and coronary artery disease. In several cases, toxicology reports and public information confirmed the use of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing substances, which are known to strain the cardiovascular system. Medical experts warn that these substances, often used without medical oversight, can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest—especially when combined with dehydration and intense training. Psychological toll The study didn't just stop at physical health. Around 15% of the deaths were categorized as sudden traumatic deaths—including suicides, overdoses, car crashes, and murders—highlighting the mental health challenges many athletes face in high-stakes competitive environments. Additional research—including a 2021 Frontiers in Psychology review—points to body dysmorphia, depression, and obsession with appearance as key mental health issues among competitive bodybuilders. 'The pressure to achieve social ideals of muscularity may contribute to psychological distress, body dissatisfaction, and athletes may develop or worsen body dysmorphic disorders,' the study noted. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Independent
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Scientists raise alarm over sudden deaths among professional body builders
Male bodybuilders are facing a high risk of sudden death from heart problems, scientists warn in a new study. The research, published on Wednesday in the European Heart Journal, highlights the health risks associated with professional bodybuilding and calls for greater awareness and preventive strategies within this community. Sudden cardiac death is when someone dies unexpectedly due to a heart problem and is generally rare among young individuals. However, the new study found that the condition kills an unusually high proportion of male bodybuilders, including young ones, with professional ones at the highest risk. In the study, an international team of researchers looked for reports of deaths among 20,286 male bodybuilders who had competed in at least one bodybuilding event between 2005 and 2020, and had these reports verified by doctors. They particularly looked for reports of deaths of any of these named competitors in five different languages across different web sources, including official media reports, social media, bodybuilding forums and blogs. Reported deaths were then cross-referenced using multiple sources and verified and analysed by doctors to establish the cause of death. Overall, researchers found 121 deaths among the over 20,000 professional bodybuilders, with the average age at death of 45 years. Cardiac death accounted for nearly 40 per cent of these 121 mortalities, according to the study. Professional bodybuilders experienced a fivefold greater risk of cardiac death compared to amateurs, scientists found. Autopsy reports of some of the deceased bodybuilders that were available showed signs of thickening or enlargement of the heart and coronary artery disease. Some also seemed to have abused anabolic substances, researchers found. 'Bodybuilding involves several practices that could have an impact on health, such as extreme strength training, rapid weight loss strategies including severe dietary restrictions and dehydration, as well as the widespread use of different performance-enhancing substances,' study co-author Marco Vecchiato said. These practices place significant strain on the heart and may lead to structural changes over time, researchers warned. 'Professional athletes had a markedly higher incidence of sudden cardiac death, suggesting that the level of competition might contribute to this increased risk,' Dr Vecchiato said. 'The risk may be greater for professional bodybuilders because they are more likely to engage intensively in these practices over prolonged periods and may experience higher competitive pressure to achieve extreme physiques,' he explained. Scientists call for proactive heart screening and counselling among bodybuilders, 'even in young and apparently healthy athletes'. 'For bodybuilders, the message is clear: while striving for physical excellence is admirable, the pursuit of extreme body transformation at any cost can carry significant health risks, particularly for the heart,' Dr Vecchiato said. 'Awareness of these risks should encourage safer training practices, improved medical supervision, and a different cultural approach that firmly rejects the use of performance-enhancing substances,' he said. The findings highlight the need for a cultural shift in bodybuilding, including stronger anti-doping measures and education campaigns about the risks of drug abuse. About 15 per cent of the 121 deaths assessed in the study were categorised as 'sudden traumatic deaths', including car crashes, suicides, murders and overdoses. 'These findings underline the need to address the psychological impact of bodybuilding culture,' scientists concluded.
Hans India
18-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Only 3 out of 5 heart failure patients see cardiologist at least once a year: Study
New Delhi: Only around three out of five heart failure patients see a cardiologist at least once a year, according to new research released on Sunday. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, shows that patients who do see a cardiologist once a year are around 24 per cent less likely to die in the following year. It also shows which patients could benefit from seeing a cardiologist once a year and which patients should be seen more often. The research suggests that if cardiologists did see heart failure patients at least once a year, one life could be saved for every 11–16 patients seen. 'In patients with heart failure, the heart is unable to normalise blood flow and pressure. Heart failure can't usually be cured, but with the right treatment, symptoms can often be controlled for many years. At the moment, depending on the patient and their condition, for example whether they have chronic or acute heart failure, they may or may not be seen by a cardiologist,' said Dr Guillaume Baudry from the Clinical Investigation Centre of Nancy University Hospital in France. The study included all French patients living with heart failure in January 2020 who had been diagnosed in the previous five years -- 655,919 people in total. These patients were found using French national medical administrative data. Researchers broke the group down according to whether they had been hospitalised with heart failure in the last year or the last five years, and whether or not they were taking diuretics as a treatment. Diuretics help the body eliminate excess sodium through urine, which reduces the build-up of fluid in the body. Among all groups of patients, researchers found that around two out of every five patients did not see a cardiologist over the course of a year. Those who did see a cardiologist were less likely to die of any cause and less likely to be hospitalised with heart failure in the following year. For patients who had been hospitalised in the last year, four appointments with a cardiologist were optimal. This reduced the risk from 34.3 per cent to 18.2 per cent, according to the study. Dr Baudry said: 'Although there are inherent limitations in observational research, our findings highlight the potential value of specialist follow-up, even in patients who appear clinically stable. Patients should feel encouraged to ask for a cardiology review, particularly if they have recently been in hospital or they are taking diuretics.'
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Stroke risk could be cut by common vaccine already offered by NHS
The shingles vaccine could protect against a lot more than we thought The shingles vaccine could protect against a range of serious health issues including strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and atrial fibrillation, according to an astonishing new study. Analysing over a million South Korean adults aged 50 and older, researchers made remarkable discoveries that could revolutionise preventative healthcare practices for these conditions. Brain injury specialist Natalie Mackenzie explained the significance to Reach: "These findings are exciting. They indicate that the shingles vaccine doesn't just prevent a painful rash; it can also lower the risk of strokes and heart attacks. "This study shows how powerful interventions can be - not only does it stop shingles but also protects your heart and brain. For those who qualify, it's well worth doing your research on these findings to fully understand how it may benefit you. "This is a major health win for anyone eligible for the jab and has an increased risk. As a brain expert, the efficacy noted in this research is certainly meaningful and could be a great tool for reducing the risk of stroke." Mackenzie pointed out that this investigation adds to existing evidence that preventive measures against certain illnesses can yield "unexpected benefits for your overall health". She also said the results also offer "the potential for clinical consideration". This means that people at a higher risk of strokes, such as those with high blood pressure or diabetes, could potentially be considered for the jab. As a preventative measure against strokes rather than just shingles. Currently, the vaccine is available on the NHS for adults turning 65, those in their 70s and people aged 50 with weakened immune systems. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, discovered that individuals vaccinated against shingles were 23% less likely to experience cardiovascular issues, such as strokes or heart attacks, compared to those who didn't receive the jab. Specifically, it reduced the risk of: Stroke by 26% Heart attacks by 35% Heart failure by 26% Heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation by 29% Overall, men and people under the age of 60 experienced the most significant reductions in risk. The protective effects could last up to eight years, although the risk of these conditions decreased the most two to three years after receiving the jab. However, the study did have some limitations, namely that the results could vary among different ethnic groups and between the two types of shingles vaccines currently in use. Nonetheless, it does align with previous studies that indicated individuals who contracted shingles faced higher risks of stroke, cardiac events and heart disease.
