Long-Term High-Intensity Exercise Linked to Increased Heart Risks in Athletes Over 35

New study finds Masters athletes with years of intense training face higher rates of heart rhythm disorders and coronary artery calcification.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:45pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph of a human heart, revealing its intricate internal structure in glowing lines against a dark background. The heart appears slightly enlarged, symbolizing the potential cardiovascular risks associated with long-term high-intensity exercise.An X-ray view of an athlete's heart reveals the potential cardiovascular risks of sustained high-intensity exercise.Jersey City Today

A recent study involving researchers from Radboudumc has found that athletes aged 35 and older who have engaged in at least 5-10 years of very intense training, to the point where normal conversation becomes impossible, have increased rates of heart rhythm disorders and coronary artery calcification compared to the general population. This revelation has sparked important conversations within the medical community and prompted a reevaluation of guidelines for competitive and endurance athletes.

Why it matters

The study raises questions about the potential upper limits of the health benefits of exercise, as it suggests there may be a tipping point beyond which the risks start to outweigh the rewards. This is particularly relevant for middle-aged and older athletes who have years of intense training under their belts. The findings also indicate that cardiovascular disease in athletes may present differently than in the general population, highlighting the need for tailored care and shared decision-making between physicians and athletes.

The details

The study focused on Masters athletes, a term used to describe recreational and elite endurance participants in sports like cycling, triathlon, and marathon running. The researchers found that athletes with at least 5-10 years of very intense training had increased rates of heart rhythm disorders and coronary artery calcification. According to exercise physiologist Thijs Eijsvogels, high-intensity exercise is defined as pushing your limits to the point where normal conversation becomes impossible.

  • The study was published on April 11, 2026.

The players

Thijs Eijsvogels

An exercise physiologist who was involved in the study and defines high-intensity exercise as pushing your limits to the point where normal conversation becomes impossible.

Guido Claessen

A cardiologist who emphasizes the importance of taking the study's findings seriously and urges athletes and physicians to be vigilant and proactive in addressing elevated risk factors.

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What they’re saying

“It's not just about pushing your limits; it's about pushing them to the point where normal conversation becomes impossible. This level of intensity is what sets the stage for potential cardiovascular risks.”

— Thijs Eijsvogels, Exercise Physiologist

“We urge athletes and physicians to be vigilant and proactive in addressing elevated risk factors, rather than ignoring them.”

— Guido Claessen, Cardiologist

What’s next

The study's findings have directly influenced the development of new guidelines for European and American cardiology associations, aiming to improve the detection and treatment of heart disease in Masters athletes. The guidelines encourage a collaborative approach between physicians and athletes, reviewing possible treatment options and considering not only risks, prognosis, and symptoms but also the athlete's personal goals.

The takeaway

This study serves as a wake-up call for the sports and fitness communities, reminding us that while exercise is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, it's not a panacea. By understanding the risks and taking a more nuanced approach, we can ensure that athletes of all ages can continue to push their limits while also safeguarding their heart health.