US EditionBodybuilding Linked To Sudden Cardiac Deaths
- On May 21, 2025, Dr. Marco Vecchiato and his team from the University of Padova shared their findings in the European Heart Journal, revealing that male bodybuilders worldwide, especially professionals, are at a significantly increased risk of sudden cardiac death.
- This study was driven by a rising number of premature fatalities linked to bodybuilding activities, including intense weightlifting, aggressive dieting methods, and the extensive use of performance-enhancing substances.
- Researchers tracked 20,300 male bodybuilders competing from 2005 to 2020, identifying 121 deaths, with 38% caused by sudden cardiac death and professionals facing 5.2 times higher risk than amateurs.
- Vecchiato explained that bodybuilding includes intense training routines, aggressive methods for quickly losing weight such as strict diets and fluid depletion, along with the frequent consumption of various substances that enhance performance, all of which may pose significant health risks.
- The findings call for better cardiovascular screening, cultural changes to reduce drug abuse, and attention to psychological pressures within bodybuilding communities.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Pro Bodybuilders Face Over 14 Times Higher Risk Of Sudden Cardiac Death
Behind all that buff bravado, professional bodybuilders face a risk of sudden cardiac death more than 14 times higher than their amateur counterparts. A new international study tracked over 20,000 male bodybuilders across 16 years, uncovering a disturbing pattern of premature deaths that raises serious questions about the safety of competitive bodybuilding at elite levels. The post Pro Bodybuilders Face Over 14 Times Higher Risk Of Sudden Cardia…
Research shows male bodybuilders face high risk of sudden cardiac death, especially those who compete
Sudden cardiac death is responsible for an unusually high proportion of deaths in male bodybuilders worldwide, with the highest risk among professional bodybuilders, according to research published in the European Heart Journal.
The Independent
The Independent (US)Scientists raise alarm over sudden deaths among professional body builders
Autopsy reports showed thickening or enlargement of heart among many deceased bodybuilders
InsideNoVA.com
Bodybuilding Linked To Sudden Cardiac Deaths
Key Takeaways
Professional Male Bodybuilders Exhibit Elevated Risk of Sudden Cardiac
Sudden cardiac death represents a profound and alarming health concern striking the world of male bodybuilding, with newly published research revealing a distressingly elevated incidence of fatalities in this population. According to an extensive observational study released in the European Heart Journal, the risk of sudden cardiac death is disproportionately high among professional bodybuilders compared to their amateur counterparts, demanding …
Male bodybuilders, particularly the pros, are at high risk of sudden d
Sudden cardiac death kills an unusually high proportion of male bodybuilders, with professional bodybuilders at the highest risk, according to international scientists. Sudden cardiac death is when someone dies suddenly and unexpectedly due to a problem with their heart, and it's rare in younger, healthier people. The team looked for reports of deaths among 20,286 male bodybuilders who had competed in at least one bodybuilding event, and had the…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
