When Exercise Can Be Deadly

Date: October 1, 2013

Healthy people who carry a genetic mutation for the life-threatening heart disorder known as ARVD/C are at much higher risk of developing symptoms if they participate in endurance sports and frequent exercise, according to a new Hopkins study. The good news, according to the study, published in the July 17 Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Carriers who significantly cut back on their exercise regimen may reduce their risk or delay the onset of symptoms.  

An inherited disorder, ARVD/C is one of the most common causes of sudden death in athletes and young, apparently healthy adults. Its prevalence is estimated at one in 5,000 people.