A new study from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles has found that the risk of exercise-related sudden cardiac arrest is extremely low among older adults.
Of the 4,078 sudden cardiac arrests studied, only 1.9% occurred during or after exercise. The study also found that those who experienced sports-related sudden cardiac arrest had fewer cardiovascular risk factors and were four times more likely to survive than those who had non-sports-related sudden cardiac arrest. The researchers emphasize that exercise is still one of the most heart-healthy activities you can do and that the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles has shed light on the risk of sports-related sudden cardiac arrest among older adults. Out of the 4,078 sudden cardiac arrests studied, only 77 occurred during or following exercise, which accounts for only 1.9% of the total cases.
In addition to analyzing these sudden cardiac arrests, the researchers also reviewed the medical records of 47 individuals who experienced sports-related sudden cardiac arrest during or after exercise, as well as 3,162 individuals who had non-exercise-related sudden cardiac arrest. The study found that those who had sports-related sudden cardiac arrest had fewer cardiovascular risk factors compared to the non-sports-related group.
Interestingly, the researchers discovered that the survival rate for those who experienced sports-related sudden cardiac arrest was four times higher than for those who had non-sports-related sudden cardiac arrest. This can be partly attributed to the fact that those who experienced sports-related sudden cardiac arrest were more likely to be exercising in a public location and therefore received faster help.
While exercise can, in rare cases, trigger an irregular heart rhythm that could lead to sudden cardiac arrest, the researchers stress that this should not deter individuals from exercising. Exercise is known to be one of the most heart-healthy activities and the potential benefits far outweigh the risks. However, before starting a new exercise regime, particularly for older adults, it is recommended to consult with a doctor to ensure it can be done safely.
When it comes to starting a new running program, regardless of age, it is important to start slow and gradually increase mileage. This not only allows individuals to exercise safely but can also help prevent injuries that may impede progress.
Key Points:
– A study from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that sports-related sudden cardiac arrest is extremely rare among older adults, accounting for only 1.9% of the total cases studied.
– Individuals who experienced sports-related sudden cardiac arrest had fewer cardiovascular risk factors compared to those who had non-sports-related sudden cardiac arrest.
– The survival rate for sports-related sudden cardiac arrest was four times higher than for non-sports-related sudden cardiac arrest, potentially due to faster access to help in public locations.
– Exercise is still considered one of the most heart-healthy activities, and the benefits outweigh the risks.
– Before starting a new exercise regimen, it is advisable to consult with a doctor, especially for older adults.
– When starting a running program, it is important to begin slowly and increase mileage gradually to exercise safely and prevent injuries.
Source Article: https://runningmagazine.ca/sections/training/sudden-cardiac-arrest-and-older-runners-study-shows-low-risk/
