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Hearts of Marathoners

August 16, 2005 10:58 AM

We have had this discussion of longevity, cardio events, and aerobic exercise before. It continues here.

Though it is very hard to find much evidence on these issues I came upon a good abstract looking into cardio events and marathoners. It suggests a connection in its opening line (unfortunately I can't get to the article itself) and it describes and measures a mechanism for the relationship.

It seems that marathoners have somewhat high homocysteine levels, not good. And their levels go up after a marathon.

The article begins with this ominous line: "There is evidence of an excess of acute cardiovascular (CV) events in marathon runners." It then goes on to show that total homocysteine (tHcy) is elevated by participation in a marathon event. Further, 20% of these marathoners were at or above the tHcy level that signals cardio risk. After the marathon, 50% of them were above the risk threshold.

The link to the abstract in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases is at Marathoners and tHcy.

B12, B6 and Folic acid are important in limiting tHcy levels. They are and have been part of my nutritional arsenal for many years. Of course, I would never think of running a marathon. The long grind and sweating are probably factors in depleting these important, heart-protective nutrients. I will put a post on my nutritional supplements, but there are comments scattered among earlier posts that describe them.

· Endurance Training: Death, Injury, and Risk ~ · Evolutionary Fitness

Comments

Posted by: Flower Online [TypeKey Profile Page] at September 12, 2006 5:37 AM

Another excellent post and I'll share I jave friends who continued with running at distances have had their share of problems...including rare forms of cancers.

One piece that may be of interest in this trend...in a 1990s book, Dr. Ken Cooper--to the astonishment of the running world--suggested marathoning may be not be the healthiest endeavour for athletes. He also noted research regarding an unexpectedly high percentage of atrial fibrillation amongst marathoners. It was about this time when a number of Olympic-calibre athletes were diagnosed with various forms of cancer. Dr. Cooper himself has said while friends and peers continued with their distance running addiction, he runs no further than 15 - 20 miles per week, lifts weights and walks.

You may be recall running great Grete Waitz? At 51, this tremendous athlete--who should be the epitomy of health--has been diagnosed with cancer. And the guru himself, George Sheehan, passed on early due to prostate cancer. Very sad.

My question: what about the 800 - 10k? Are the same risks experienced at this distance.

Again, thanks for the information and wonderful, wonderful site.

Best regards,

Parker

Posted by: Parker [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 22, 2005 6:51 PM

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