Khaberni - A recent study warned that regularly practicing strenuous exercise could expose women to a deadly health risk.
This risk is represented by "sudden cardiac death," which occurs when the heart suddenly stops working, leading to death within minutes. It is the most common cause of death among elite athletes, although it is usually associated with people who have underlying heart disease.
An Italian research team examined the medical records and competitions of approximately 9,447 professional female bodybuilders who participated in at least one competition between 2005 and 2020, finding that 32 of them died during that period at an average age of 42 years.
The results showed that 31% of these women's deaths were due to sudden cardiac death, making it the most common cause.
The study revealed that the risk of sudden cardiac death was twenty times higher for professional bodybuilders compared to amateurs. Women were also four times more likely to commit suicide, a factor experts attribute to social pressures and body image expectations.
Dr. Marco Vischiato, the study's lead author and a sports medicine expert at the University of Padova in Italy, explained: "Bodybuilders, both women and men, often follow intense training regimes, use strategies like fasting and dehydration, and some rely on performance-enhancing substances, which can cause significant damage to the cardiovascular system."
He added that intensive exercises raise the heart rate and strain the muscle, which could exacerbate underlying health conditions and heart rhythm disorders, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest.
The team warned that the results are based on internet searches, necessitating further studies. Researchers also noted the possibility of unreported deaths among less famous bodybuilders.
Dr. Vischiato said, "This research reminds us that the pursuit of muscle building and fitness, although celebrated by society, may come at a cost to cardiovascular health. Awareness of these risks is essential for promoting safer training practices and making informed decisions, with a need to change the culture of sports to raise awareness among both professionals and amateurs."
