Is marathon running linked to cardiac damage?
Is marathon running linked to cardiac damage?
Running has become a very common type of recreational physical activity. Many also attempt to exceed their limits by participating in long distance races, such as a marathon (42Km).
It is controversial whether this type of physical exhaustion is beneficial or harmful to the heart.
A recently published study has attempted to answer this question.
According to the study there was an acute effect, specifically on the right ventricle of the heart.
They found that right ventricular ejection fraction declined significantly (from 52.4% to 47.6%) immediately after the race. However, within 3 days systolic function of the right ventricle recovered completely.
Participants in the study (152 male runners, mean age 43) were followed up for 10 years. It was very reassuring that no effect was identified in the structure and overall function of the heart.
In general, it appears top be safe for the heart to be a marathon runner. However, caution is required after races so that enough time is provided for the heart to rest.
Reference:
Long-Term Changes in Ventricular Function in Recreational Marathon Runners.
JAMA Cardiology
Published Online: December 10, 2025
doi: 10.1001/jamacardio.2025.4456
