Abstract 14726: Early Life Competitive Sport Participation May Lead to Fewer Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Population of Ultramarathon Runners

BackgroundIt is well accepted that routine low to moderate intensity physical activity leads to decreased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. However, recent observational studies suggest that athletes who exercise at the highest doses (frequency x duration x intensity) may exhibit a reverse J-shaped dose-response with respect to mortality and development of CV disease. Our objective was to determine how health behaviors and training history were associated with CV risk factors and CV disease in ultramarathon runners.MethodsThis was a pilot survey involving 2018 John F. Kennedy 50 Mile ultramarathon race participants held in Hagerstown, MD. Predefined CV risk factors included current or prior history of smoking, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity (BMI >30).ResultsOf the 868 registered runners, 292 (34%) completed the survey. 106 (36.3%) runners had at least one CV risk factor and 15 (5.2%) had known CV disease. Runners who engaged in competitive sports in high school or college were more likely to have no CV risk factors compared to runners who did not (Table). Additionally, runners that started endurance and ultraendurance sports at a younger age were more likely to have no CV risk factors. Runners who were told they drank too much alcohol were more likely to have at least one CV risk factor.ConclusionsEarly life competitive sport participation and not duration (in years or hours/week) of endurance or ultraendurance activities is associated with having no CV risk factors. These findings suggest that early life exercise may be important in maintaining a healthy CV profile as one ages. Additionally, starting competitive sport later in life, even at the highest doses, may not be a “cure” for all CV risk factors. Further study is required to explore the implications of the age of onset of competitive sport and long-term cardiovascular risk profiles.