Years of high-intensity exercise may come with an unexpected heart risk for male endurance athletes over the age of 50, according to new research from the University of Leeds.

The study, published earlier this month in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, found that some endurance athletes over the age of 50 experienced potentially dangerous heart rhythm disturbances during or shortly after exercise, particularly those with scarring in the heart muscle.

Researchers followed 106 healthy male runners and cyclists using wearable activity trackers and implantable heart monitors. 

HIDDEN HEART CHANGES MAY BE TRIGGERED BY EXERCISE, NEW RESEARCH REVEALS

About one in four experienced episodes of ventricular tachycardia, a rapid heart rhythm that can become life-threatening if sustained. Three in four of the athletes who had these episodes showed evidence of myocardial scarring.

“Our study shows that exercise was only associated with a risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms in those who were already high risk due to heart scarring,” lead author Wasim Javed said.

Researchers note that about 90% of exercise-related sudden cardiac deaths occur in males over 40, often without warning signs.

According to the American Heart Association, regular physical activity — even as little as 30 minutes most days — can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. 

Cardiologists at the Cleveland Clinic also say exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation and supports overall cardiovascular health.

The findings suggest that while long-term endurance training may carry risks for a small subset of older athletes, exercise itself remains overwhelmingly beneficial.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

“Athletes who developed abnormal heart rhythms were not exercising more or harder than athletes without abnormal heart rhythms,” Javed said. 

“This suggests that exercise itself is not the cause but could act as a trigger for dangerous heart rhythms in those athletes already with an underlying heart issue.”

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Researchers say older male athletes, especially those with long competitive histories, should consider regular cardiovascular screening and discuss symptoms like unexplained dizziness, palpitations or breathlessness with a doctor. Wearable heart-monitoring devices may also help detect irregular rhythms early.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“Exercise is safe and has immense benefits, but athletes in this group should have regular health checks to make sure they stay healthy,” Javed said.

Social connection is known to be a key factor in overall health and well-being.

About one in six people worldwide experience loneliness, which is linked to around 871,000 deaths annually due to impacts on health, according to the World Health Organization.

One approach gaining attention is the 5-3-1 rule, a simple framework designed to help people build and maintain social relationships in everyday life.

ONE TOXIC BEHAVIOR KILLS RELATIONSHIPS, LEADING HAPPINESS EXPERT WARNS

The rule was reportedly developed by Canadian sociologist Kasley Killam, who argues that social health should be treated with the same consistency as physical or mental health.

“We need to be intentional about connection, just like we are with exercise and eating healthy foods,” Killam recently told Business Insider.

The 5-3-1 rule encourages social connection with three clear targets, as listed below.

5: Each week, spend time with five different people or social groups, such as friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors or acquaintances.

3: Each month, have three deeper conversations with people you trust, where interactions go beyond small talk.

1: Each day, aim for about one hour of social interaction, even if that time is spread out across shorter moments.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

The goal is to encourage regular, intentional connection.

Jess Diller Kovler, a New York-based psychologist with Well By Messer and the Cognitive Therapy Center of Manhattan, said frameworks like the 5-3-1 rule are especially relevant right now.

“We need this now, more than ever,” Kovler told Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

She pointed out that many people underestimate how isolated they are, as modern communications, such as texting or social media, cannot fully substitute for face-to-face interaction.

The framework is meant to serve as a guideline, not something that needs to be followed perfectly, Kovler noted.

“Whether it’s 5-3-1 or 1-2-3 or 1-3-5 doesn’t matter. Anything beats zero-zero-zero,” she said.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Jonathan Alpert, a New York-based psychotherapist and author of “Therapy Nation,” told Fox News Digital that building stronger social connections often starts with small, consistent steps rather than dramatic changes.

Alpert suggested choosing activities that create familiarity over time. “Join a class, volunteer, or show up regularly at the same gym or café. Familiarity builds comfort, and comfort builds relationships,” he said.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The expert also encouraged people to be more proactive. 

“Instead of waiting for others to reach out, send the first text. Suggest the coffee. Most people want more connection, but don’t know how to start.”

Top stories

→ Doctor reveals what 30 days without alcohol does to the brain and body

→ Whole milk is headed back to school cafeterias after Trump signs new law

→ Oprah reveals her struggle with “shame” at taking weight-loss drugs

On the lookout

→ Homeless encampment at center of health alert over rat-borne disease

→ What are ‘GLP-3s’? Meet the new generation of weight-loss drugs

Conversation starters

→ Forced wake-up times could affect your health — how early is too early?

→ Eating leftover pasta may be better for blood sugar than a fresh bowl

→ Researchers locked flu patients in a hotel with healthy adults — no one got sick

Healthy living

→ Simple daily habit may help ease depression more than medication, researchers say

→ Sleep patterns could predict risk for dementia, cancer and stroke, study suggests

Quote of the week

“Red meat and saturated fats were demonized.”

→ Jillian Michaels breaks down saturated fat and the new food pyramid, praising nutrition guidelines that emphasize protein over processed foods

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES