Heart infarction or myocardial infarction is a medical emergency that occurs due to lack of oxygen supply to the heart muscle. It is a leading cause of death worldwide, and the number of deaths due to infarction is rising rapidly.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of marathon runners and other high-intensity sports enthusiasts. Though the benefits of exercise are well documented, there is a growing concern that intense physical activity, especially endurance sports, can increase the risk of heart infarction.

This has led to resistance against marathons and other high-intensity sports in certain quarters.

What are the Causes of Infarction?

Heart infarction is typically caused by the buildup of a fatty substance called plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply the heart with blood.

The plaque buildup can cause the arteries to narrow or become blocked, leading to a reduction or complete cutoff of oxygen supply to the heart muscle, resulting in infarction. In some cases, infarction can also be caused by a blood clot that forms in the arteries that supply the heart muscle.

Why is the Number of Infarction Deaths on the Rise?

The number of infarction deaths is on the rise mainly due to lifestyle-related factors. A sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption are some of the leading causes of infarction.

Stress and poor sleep quality are also risk factors that contribute to infarction. In addition, the rising number of endurance sports enthusiasts has also been identified as a potential cause of the increase in infarction deaths. While the benefits of exercise are numerous, too much of a good thing can sometimes be harmful.

Studies have suggested that too much endurance exercise can lead to cardiac damage and abnormal heart rhythms, which can increase the risk of infarction. However, the link between endurance exercise and infarction is not well established, and more research is needed to understand the relationship between the two.

The Marathon Resistance Movement

In recent years, a movement against marathons and other high-intensity sports has been gaining momentum.

The movement argues that marathons and other high-intensity sports are not only harmful to the health of the participants but also put an unnecessary burden on public resources such as emergency medical services. Supporters of the resistance movement argue that marathons and other high-intensity sports should be banned or restricted to prevent the risk of infarction and other health hazards.

Are Marathons and High-Intensity Sports Really Harmful?

While the idea of banning or restricting marathons and other high-intensity sports may seem extreme, there is some merit to the arguments presented by the resistance movement.

Endurance sports such as marathons are known to put significant stress on the heart, and there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that prolonged and intense physical activity can lead to cardiac damage and abnormal heart rhythms. However, it is important to note that the risk of infarction and other health hazards associated with endurance sports is relatively low, and the benefits of exercise far outweigh the risks for most people.

Furthermore, many marathon organizers take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the participants, such as providing medical support along the route and screening participants for pre-existing heart conditions before allowing them to participate.

What Can be Done to Reduce the Risk of Infarction?

The best way to reduce the risk of infarction is by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, and getting enough sleep.

People who are planning to participate in marathons or other high-intensity sports should also take the necessary precautions, such as getting a medical check-up before participating, training properly, and monitoring their heart rate during the event.

The Bottom Line

Heart infarction is a serious health condition that is on the rise due to lifestyle-related factors.

While marathons and other high-intensity sports are known to put stress on the heart, the risk of infarction associated with these activities is relatively low. The benefits of exercise far outweigh the risks, and marathons and other high-intensity sports should not be banned or restricted.

Rather, people should adopt a healthy lifestyle and take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infarction and other health hazards.