Exercise places stress on the heart, but in most cases, that stress helps keep the heart healthy. Exercise is often recommended for preventing heart disease and managing many heart conditions. However, it can be dangerous for people with certain heart problems.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle is thicker than normal, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. According to PubMed Health, people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at higher risk of sudden death than the normal population, and nearly half of all deaths from this condition occur during or right after a patient has done some form of physical activity.
Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, or CPVT, is a heart rhythm problem that occurs mostly in children and adolescents. Individuals with CPVT have a fast, irregular heart rhythm, often brought on by exercise, yet they have no structural heart abnormalities. When an arrhythmia occurs it can progress to ventricular fibrillation, potentially causing death.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), also known as arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, is a rare condition where the right ventricular muscle is replaced by fat and fibrous tissue, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood and often resulting in abnormal heart rhythms that can lead to death. The body's response to strenuous exercise may increase the risk of death from ARVC.
Long QT Syndrome
Long QT syndrome is a condition in which there is a delay in the time it takes the heart to recover after each heartbeat. People with long QT syndrome are either born with it or may acquire it as a side effect from certain medications. This condition can be life-threatening, and exercise, particularly competitive sports, can trigger a fatal arrhythmia in people with this condition. Therefore, strenuous exercise is not recommended for some people with long QT syndrome.
References
- Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine; Douglas P. Zipes, MD, MACC, et. al.; 2005
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
- Cleveland Clinic: Long QT Syndrome
- PubMed Health: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
