Heart health

Latest Stories

News

Fact vs. Fear: The Real Risks of Ironman Racing

Don’t let sensationalist headlines fool you: The data shows that while endurance racing isn’t without risk, it’s far safer than the tabloids suggest.

Dr. Jeffrey SankoffJuly 28, 20261

News

Our Favorite Triathlete Stories of All Time

From old-school Tinley Talks to modern-day revelations, our editors and contributors pick the stories they loved reading and writing.

Susan LackeOctober 2, 2025

News

How Triathlon Training Remodels Your Heart (For Better and For Worse)

Triathlon training is good for the heart - until it’s not. Scientists explain how too much endurance training can permanently alter the structure and function of heart, leading to potentially dangerous health issues.

Elaine K. HowleyMarch 5, 20251

News

The Most-Read Triathlete Stories of 2024

Wondering what you missed for triathlon stories in 2024? We recap the 12 most-read stories so you can catch up before the new year.

Susan LackeDecember 26, 2024

People

“Know That Fitness Isn't Health...Just Because We Do Ironmans Doesn’t Mean That We’re Immortal.”

Pro triathletes Tim O’Donnell and Tim Reed share the hard lessons learned from their serious heart health journeys.

Sarah Wassner FlynnJuly 10, 2025

News

What One Study Tells Us About Heart Health for Aging Triathletes

A 2024 study on heart health in endurance athletes over 50 brings concerning and reassuring findings on the "reverse J-curve" effect of exercise and cardiac events. Dr. Jeffrey Sankoff explains.

Dr. Jeffrey SankoffJanuary 20, 2026

News

Could Cardiac Events in World-Class Athletes Have Lessons for Age-Groupers?

One unconventional study examined the correlation between cardiac events and elite athletes across multiple sports. The results? Triathletes and cyclists have the highest rate.

Dr. Jeffrey SankoffFebruary 9, 2023

News

Sudden Cardiac Arrest on National TV: An Explainer and What it Means for Triathletes

Tragic events at a recent NFL football game has athletes of all kinds asking: Are we at risk?

Dr. Jeffrey SankoffJuly 10, 2025

News

Finally Some Good (Well, Less Worse) COVID News For Athletes

Though COVID isn’t going anywhere soon, the newer variants may have fewer long-term effects for something all athletes care deeply about: our hearts.

Dr. Jeffrey SankoffSeptember 13, 2022

Injury Prevention

Could Cardiac Genetic Screening Decrease the Risk of Sudden Death for Athletes?

A new review looks at the potential for genetic testing—and the challenges.

Dr. Jeffrey SankoffJuly 10, 2025

People

Post-Heart Attack, Tim O'Donnell Will Return to Racing

His genetic predispositions put O'Donnell at risk for a 'widowmaker,' but now he says he's been cleared for a return to full training.

Kelly O'MaraJuly 10, 2025

Injury Prevention

Do Triathletes Need to Worry About Heart Attacks?

Widowmaker heart attacks—also known as LAD blockages—are rare, but life-threatening. Here's what you need to know.

Sarah BarkerAugust 30, 2021

Training

Study Finds Less Than 1% of Professional Athletes Developed Inflammatory Heart Disease after COVID-19

Professional sports leagues extensively tested COVID-positive athletes to learn more about myocarditis risks.

Malissa RodenburgJuly 10, 2025

Training

Understanding the Athlete's Heart

What does an athlete ask of their heart that a non-athlete doesn't?

Lennard ZinnJanuary 5, 2021

Injury Prevention

What to Look for in Your Own Heart Health

Athletes should pay attention to certain warning signs when it comes to their heart.

John MandrolaNovember 23, 2020

Training

Understanding the Effects of Exercise on Your Heart

Does more exercise mean greater health?

John Mandrola, Chris CaseNovember 12, 2020

Training

New Study Says Runners' and Swimmers' Hearts Unique: What About Triathletes?

Researchers found that different activities affect the heart in different ways. What could this mean for athletes who routinely train in three sports?

Susan LackeJuly 10, 2025