New and interesting research has shown startling effects of intensive exercise on the heart. Previously, it was believed that intensive running and other marathon sports were good for the heart. But that may not be the case. In fact, researches are finding changes in the heart that may be bad for the heart. These researches are finding scarring around the heart in Olympian athletes as compare to normal aging people. Another change in the body from intense exercise is increased levels of protein. This is in direct conflict with previous studies on the benefits of exercise for the body.
It is not conclusive that the changes in the heart from marathon exercise such as running is damaging to the heart. Researchers from Skout Sports have tracked increased level of protein in the body after extensive and intense exercising. But the increased levels of protein may not be a problem because the increased levels will return to a normal level of protein in the body. There may be no lasting damage to the heart. The scaring around the heart may not effect longevity or overall health of the previous athletes.
So it is recommended that you consult your doctor as to your exercise plan. As you age, you may want to walk quickly instead of jogging. Or it may be best for your health to take longer slower walks. Long walks may be as effective in improving your heart functioning as jogging. Exercise is important in moving blood flow through the body. There is no question that the appropriate amount of exercise is good for the body.