Can People Who Exercise Get Heart Disease?

A common question from our patients is can you get heart disease if you exercise?

It might seem counterintuitive, but even people who exercise regularly can develop heart disease. Exercise plays a significant role in supporting heart health, but it’s not an absolute shield against cardiovascular problems. In this blog, I explore why active individuals may still be at risk, what factors contribute to heart disease beyond physical activity, and how to approach heart health comprehensively.

Does Exercise Prevent Heart Disease Completely?

While regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, it doesn’t eliminate it altogether. Physical activity strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, helps maintain healthy blood pressure, and reduces stress—key elements for a healthy heart. According to NHS guidelines, engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week can significantly reduce heart disease risk.

However, factors beyond exercise, such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and certain medical conditions, can still increase the likelihood of heart disease, even in active individuals. While exercise lowers risk, it’s just one piece of the heart health puzzle.

Why Can Exercisers Still Develop Heart Disease?

Here are some key factors that can contribute to heart disease in people who regularly exercise:

1. Genetics and Family History

Your genes play a crucial role in heart disease risk. A family history of heart disease can make you more susceptible to conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and even heart attacks, regardless of your fitness level. For example, conditions like familial hypercholesterolaemia cause high cholesterol levels that aren’t easily managed by diet and exercise alone.

If you have a family history of heart disease, discussing this with your doctor can help guide the best prevention strategies. They may recommend regular screenings to monitor your heart health closely. The British Heart Foundation provides helpful resources on how genetics can affect heart disease risk.

2. High Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol, a waxy substance in your blood, is essential for building cells, but too much of it can build up in your arteries and lead to coronary artery disease. While exercise can help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and raise “good” HDL cholesterol, some people have naturally high cholesterol due to genetic factors. This can increase heart disease risk, even if they exercise regularly.

Routine blood tests can help keep track of cholesterol levels, and dietary adjustments or medications may be recommended if levels are high. The NHS provides guidance on managing high cholesterol and reducing heart disease risk.

3. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is another major risk factor for heart disease that can affect even active people. It increases the heart’s workload and can damage arteries over time, contributing to heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Stress, diet, and certain medications can raise blood pressure, even if you’re fit.

Regular blood pressure checks are crucial to ensure levels remain within a healthy range. Lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication can help manage blood pressure effectively, protecting the heart from additional strain.

4. Smoking and Alcohol

Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption are well-known contributors to heart disease. Smoking damages blood vessels and reduces oxygen levels in the blood, forcing the heart to work harder. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure, weight gain, and heart failure, all of which increase heart disease risk. Unfortunately, exercise alone cannot counteract these harmful effects.

If you’re a smoker or regularly drink alcohol, making changes in these areas is one of the most impactful steps you can take for heart health. The NHS offers support for those looking to quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake.

5. Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety or depression can significantly impact heart health, even for those who exercise. Stress hormones such as cortisol can raise blood pressure, affect sleep, and contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking or poor diet choices. While physical activity is beneficial for stress relief, managing mental health holistically is key.

For people dealing with chronic stress, combining exercise with stress-management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or therapy can help protect heart health. Mind offers resources and support for managing mental well-being, which can, in turn, support cardiovascular health.

Common Heart Conditions in Active People

Even with regular physical activity, certain heart conditions can still develop. Here are a few that can affect active individuals:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Caused by plaque build-up in the arteries, CAD restricts blood flow to the heart and can lead to angina or heart attacks. Genetic factors and high cholesterol can contribute to CAD even in those who are physically fit.

• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, can occur regardless of fitness level. While some are harmless, others may require treatment to prevent complications. Exercise-related arrhythmias can sometimes be a warning sign, so it’s essential to seek medical advice if you notice irregular heart rhythms.

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): This genetic condition causes the heart muscle to thicken, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. Though rare, HCM is a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes.

If you experience symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath, especially during exercise, it’s crucial to seek medical advice promptly.

Steps Active People Can Take to Protect Their Heart Health

Even for those who exercise regularly, taking a comprehensive approach to heart health is essential. Here’s how you can reduce your risk of heart disease:

1. Get Regular Check-Ups: Routine health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol tests, and possibly an ECG, can help detect early signs of heart disease. Regular check-ups are especially important if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors.

2. Focus on a Heart-Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports heart health. Avoiding excessive sodium, trans fats, and sugar can also help keep your heart in top shape.

3. Manage Stress Effectively: Combining physical activity with stress-management techniques can benefit both your heart and mental well-being. Mindfulness, meditation, and structured relaxation techniques can help you manage chronic stress, reducing strain on your heart.

4. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking are some of the most impactful steps you can take to lower heart disease risk, regardless of your fitness level.

5. Monitor Key Health Indicators: Keep track of blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, as these indicators can provide important insights into your heart health. If necessary, your doctor can suggest interventions to bring these levels back within a healthy range.

   
   

Conclusion

While regular exercise is one of the best ways to support heart health, it’s not an absolute guarantee against heart disease. Genetics, lifestyle choices, and other health factors play essential roles in determining overall heart health. By staying informed, making healthy choices, and keeping up with regular check-ups, active individuals can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease.

If you’d like more personalised advice on maintaining heart health or want to schedule a check-up with us at Heartsure, don’t hesitate to contact us here.

For additional reading, check out these blogs:

• What groups of people are most at risk of heart disease?

• How to know if you’re at high risk for cardiovascular disease?