Are There Clinical Cardiac Complications From Too Much Exercise?

Introduction The dose-response association between physical activity and cardiovascular outcomes is well described (10). As little as 15 minId of moderate-intensity exercise significantly lowers the risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Greater volumes yield greater cardiovascular benefit. However, the impact of extreme volumes of exercise on cardiovascular health is under debate (9), because some studies present evidence of adverse clinical outcomes in endurance athletes who perform exercise volumes at the extreme upper end of the physical activity continuum. These observations raise the possibility that high doses of exercise have deleterious cardiac effects.