Running News Daily

Study shows risk of sudden cardiac arrest from exercise is low among older adults

Every so often, you hear a tragic story about someone who collapsed from cardiac arrest while out for a run, or while racing a marathon. Often their running habit will be called into question, with speculators asking whether they were simply running too much. This can be unsettling, but a new study from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on older adults concluded that sports-related sudden cardiac arrest is exceedingly rare. 

The study

Researchers analyzed data on sudden cardiac arrests that occurred in people age 65 and older and found that of the 4,078 total sudden cardiac arrests they studied, only 77 occurred during or following exercise, such as running, cycling, going to the gym or playing golf or tennis. That means only 1.9 per cent occurred during or after a bout of exercise. 

The researchers also analyzed medical records for 47 of the 77 people who experienced sudden cardiac arrest during or after exercise, as well as the records for 3,162 people who experienced non-exercise-related sudden cardiac arrest. Perhaps not surprisingly, those who experienced sports-related sudden cardiac arrest had fewer cardiovascular risk factors than the others.

The sports-related group was also four times more likely to survive than the non-sports-related group, partly because they typically experienced sudden cardiac arrest in a more public location (assuming they were exercising outside, at a fitness facility, and/or with other people), and so were able to get help faster. 

The takeaways

The researchers point out that in rare cases, exercise can trigger an irregular heart rhythm that could lead to sudden cardiac arrest, but this generally shouldn’t dissuade people from exercising. Exercise is one of the most heart-healthy activities you can do, and while there are risks, the potential benefits are far greater. 

“The annual incidence of sports-related sudden cardiac arrest among older adults is extremely rare,” said Sumeet S. Chugh, senior author of the study. “This means older people who regularly participate in sports should continue.”

Chugh adds that those who wish to begin a new exercise regime, particularly older adults, should talk to their doctor first to ensure they can do so safely. Of course, if you are exercising and you start experiencing any new symptoms, you should consult your doctor.

As always, if you’re starting a new running program, you should take it slow and build your mileage gradually, no matter how old you are. Not only will this ensure you can exercise safely, but it will also help prevent injuries that could slow or even stop your progress entirely.