Endurance athletes have a four times higher risk of irregular heartbeat – and this may be why

By Ben Buckley, Senior lecturer, Liverpool John Moores University; University of Liverpool

Exercise is one of the best things we can do for a healthy heart. Yet research shows that endurance athletes have up to a four times higher risk of atrial fibrillation (an irregular or fast heartbeat) than non-athletes. This heart condition increases risk of both heart failure and stroke.

If regular exercise and being fit reduces our risk of many chronic diseases and preserves mental and physical health, why is it that people…

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