Story perspectives

Study: Marathons Don't Cause Lasting Heart Damage

12/28/2025

Center

Runners' Heart Health

A ten-year study published in JAMA Cardiology analyzed 152 recreational marathon runners and found no lasting heart damage after racing.
The study notes troponin levels often rise post-marathon, signaling temporary strain rather than injury.
The right ventricle is affected during races but recovers quickly, and experts urge evaluation for chest pain or breathlessness.
Overall, the findings suggest proper training helps the heart adapt to marathon running.

Right

Bristol Study Reprograms Heart

The University of Bristol conducted a study on lab rats showing that 10 weeks of aerobic exercise can reprogram nerves that control heartbeats.
Researchers observed side-specific changes: the right side exhibited increased nerve cell growth, while the left side showed larger existing cells.
The findings could inform treatments for irregular heart rhythms and angina if similar effects occur in humans, but further studies are needed to confirm applicability.

1 of 2

Runners' Heart Health

A ten-year study published in JAMA Cardiology analyzed 152 recreational marathon runners and found no lasting heart damage after racing.
The study notes troponin levels often rise post-marathon, signaling temporary strain rather than injury.
The right ventricle is affected during races but recovers quickly, and experts urge evaluation for chest pain or breathlessness.
Overall, the findings suggest proper training helps the heart adapt to marathon running.

1 / 2