High Endurance Training Linked to Artery Plaque in Men: Study
When it comes to heart health, exercise is often touted as a key factor in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. And for good reason – regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. However, a new study published in JACC: Advances suggests that high-volume endurance exercise may have a darker side, particularly for men.
Researchers found that men who engage in high-volume endurance exercise have more calcified plaque in their heart arteries than less active men. This is a concerning finding, as calcified plaque can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
The study, which was published in the journal JACC: Advances, analyzed data from over 4,000 participants, including both men and women. The researchers used high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans to measure the amount of calcified plaque in the participants’ coronary arteries.
The results were striking: men who engaged in high-volume endurance exercise (defined as exercising for more than 14 hours per week) had significantly more calcified plaque in their coronary arteries than men who were less active. In fact, the study found that men who engaged in high-volume endurance exercise had a 45% higher risk of developing calcified plaque in their coronary arteries compared to less active men.
But here’s the interesting part: women did not show the same increase in calcified plaque. In fact, the study found that women who engaged in high-volume endurance exercise actually had a lower risk of developing calcified plaque in their coronary arteries compared to less active women.
So, what does this mean for men and women who engage in high-volume endurance exercise? For men, it suggests that intense endurance training may have a negative impact on heart health. This is likely due to the fact that men who engage in high-volume endurance exercise are more likely to experience chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of calcified plaque.
For women, the findings are more reassuring. It’s possible that women’s bodies respond differently to high-volume endurance exercise, with the exercise actually having a protective effect on heart health. This is an important finding, as women are often encouraged to engage in high-intensity exercise to improve their heart health.
So, what can we take away from this study? First and foremost, it highlights the importance of sex-specific research. For too long, researchers have focused on the effects of exercise on heart health in men, without considering the potential differences between men and women. This study shows that men and women respond differently to high-volume endurance exercise, and that women may actually benefit from this type of exercise.
Secondly, the study suggests that men who engage in high-volume endurance exercise should be aware of the potential risks to their heart health. This doesn’t mean that men should stop exercising – exercise is still an important part of a healthy lifestyle. However, men may want to consider modifying their exercise routine to include a mix of endurance and strength training exercises, which may help to reduce the risk of developing calcified plaque.
Finally, the study highlights the importance of regular cardiovascular checks for men who engage in high-volume endurance exercise. Even if men are feeling healthy and fit, they may still be at risk for developing calcified plaque. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help to identify any potential issues early on, and prevent more serious problems from developing.
In conclusion, the study published in JACC: Advances is an important reminder of the potential risks and benefits of high-volume endurance exercise. While exercise is still a key part of a healthy lifestyle, men may need to be more mindful of their exercise routine and consider modifying it to reduce the risk of developing calcified plaque. Women, on the other hand, may be able to reap the benefits of high-volume endurance exercise without worrying about the potential risks.
Source:
https://thepfc.club/blogs/news/what-high-volume-exercise-means-for-heart-health
