Is running marathons damaging your health?

November 1, 6:27 PMSeattle Budget Fitness ExaminerDave Guevara

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The Portland Marathon winner
From oregonlive.com

There is speculation from the scientific literature that marathon runners may be more susceptible to chronic inflammation and caradic events such as artrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythms). The research indicates that there is an association to artrial fibrillation and endurance running.

Furthermore, research demonstrates an interesting correlation between inflammation and artrial fibrillation in chronic endurance training and racing. The researchers believe that high levels of C-reactive proteins could be a risk factor for developing artrial fibrillation. C-reactive proteins are produced in the liver or present in the blood in an inactive form that are turned on during times of inflammation such as running a marathon.

In addition, research published in the American Society for Clinical Research investigated elevations of an enzyme called myeloperoxidase (MPO) in runners that completed the Boston Marathon in 2005. The researchers looked at MPO as a means to detect inflammation after endurance racing, which was statistically elevated after the race in 22 of the 24 runners. Interestingly enough, MPO has been associated with coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis. 

Systemic inflammation in respect to marathon running may contribute to a compromised cardiovascular system that may lead to chronic injuries and oxidative stress.