Archive · 29 Sep 2025
Running Excess: Cardiologist Warns of Hidden Heart Risks
Running can be great for your heart, but doing too much without rest can cause problems.
The heart muscle can develop scars, called myocardial fibrosis, making it less efficient.
Signs to watch for include chest discomfort, fatigue, and breathlessness.
International guidelines recommend 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
To stay safe, don't exceed 60-70 kilometers of running per week and incorporate rest days.
Regular heart check-ups are also important.
Excessive running can lead to myocardial fibrosis, causing heart muscle scarring.
The condition develops due to repetitive strain and inadequate healing from insufficient rest.
Symptoms include chest discomfort, palpitations, fatigue, and breathlessness.
International guidelines recommend 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week or up to 150 minutes of vigorous activity.
Regular heart check-ups are crucial for early detection of risks.
- Who
- Endurance athletes and recreational runners
- What
- The risk of myocardial fibrosis from excessive running
- When
- Ongoing
- Where
- Worldwide, especially in India as marathon culture gains momentum
- Why
- To raise awareness of heart health risks from overtraining
- Main Issue
- Myocardial fibrosis from excessive running
- Definition
- Scarring of the heart muscle
- Risk Factors
- Overtraining, insufficient rest, high weekly mileage
- Symptoms
- Unusual chest discomfort, palpitations, fatigue, breathlessness
- Recommendations
- Structured training, moderate weekly mileage, regular heart check-ups
- Guideline
- 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week or up to 150 minutes of vigorous activity.
- Weekly Mileage Limit
- Do not exceed 60-70 kilometers per week on a regular basis.
Sources
India’s Heart Health Emergency: Why Premature Heart Disease Is Rising
Why heart attacks don’t spare women: ‘I thought it was an anxiety attack but docs told me my heart was working at only 30 per cent’
Running Too Much Can Backfire: Cardiologist Warns About Hidden Heart Risks
Dr explains: How AI, wearables and lifestyle choices are transforming heart health
