Male Endurance Cyclists Face Higher Risk of Afib: What You Should Know

Male endurance cyclists are at a four to five times greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) than the sedentary population, according to consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist Professor Graham Stuart. AF is a heart condition that can cause an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate, which can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. While exercise is excellent for preventing and managing AF, there is a U-shaped curve of risk corresponding to exercise volume, with the risk increasing once you start doing a lot of exercise. More research is required before scientists will be able to estimate risk on an individual level.