Cardiac Risks in Long Distance Runners.

This article discusses the cardiac risks associated with long-distance running. It begins by recounting the story of Pheidippides, the messenger who inspired the modern marathon race but died upon completing his run. The cause of his death is unknown but may have been related to prolonged strenuous exercise. The article then explores the beneficial effects of regular exercise on cardiovascular health, as well as the potential risks of excessive endurance exercise. It emphasizes the importance of screening individuals before participating in marathons to prevent sudden cardiac death and identifies limitations in current screening criteria. The article concludes by highlighting the need for individuals to be fully informed about the potential long-term adverse effects of repetitive long-distance running and suggests the use of national and international registries to identify those at risk for adverse cardiovascular events. [Extracted from the article]