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The benefits of exercise and leisure time activity outweigh the risks for people with heart disease
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
While physical activity has many health benefits, it may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in some people. However, cardiologists stress that the benefits of exercise far outweigh the risks. New data published in CJC Open and the Canadian Journal of Cardiology (Elsevier) outline the risks associated with various sports and leisure activities.
Key findings of the study:
- Cycling, hockey and hunting top the list of leisure activities associated with the highest number of natural deaths in Quebec, of which 95% are sudden cardiac deaths.
- The study covered data from January 2006 to December 2019, including 2,234 deaths related to sport and leisure, of which 297 were natural. The risk of death increased from age 35, peaking in men over 45.
- In 65% of cases, there was no access to an automated external defibrillator (AED), indicating a serious gap in emergency preparedness.
Philippe Richard, PhD, lead researcher and co-author of the study, said:
"The lack of AEDs highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that goes beyond public spaces and into rural and remote areas where risks are particularly high and access to emergency care is limited."
Discussion of AED and Emergency Care:
- Solutions include placing AEDs in remote locations (such as hunting lodges) and using drone-based AED delivery networks. However, such initiatives require significant financial investment and regular maintenance, which may limit their implementation.
- Portable, ultra-lightweight AEDs, currently in development, may be a promising option in the future, but their effectiveness has not yet been proven and more research is needed.
Risks and physical activity:
Researchers from the University of Toronto's Sports Cardiology Program note that many doctors, including cardiologists, have serious concerns about exercise, especially for people with cardiovascular disease. However, recent research shifts the focus toward allowing such activities.
Dr Paul Dorian, lead author of the review, Absolute and Relative Risks of Exercise: When in Doubt, Go for It, says:
"Sudden death during exercise is extremely rare. We believe that athletes should make their own decisions about what is safe for them, based on their values and preferences, rather than being subject to rigid prohibitions. Overall, even vigorous physical activity is relatively safe for most people with heart disease."
Emphasis on the benefits of activity:
Dr. Paul Poitier, co-author of the study and senior researcher, said:
"It would be wrong to conclude that activities such as cycling, hockey or hunting should be avoided because of the risk. Far more people die of heart attacks while sleeping, sitting in a chair or raking. A sedentary lifestyle is far more harmful than exercise."
Application of results:
The study findings could be used to improve training in remote areas, enhance medical screening, train cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques, and promote legislation to expand access to AEDs.
Doctors and researchers emphasize the need for a more balanced approach to managing the risks associated with physical activity, especially for people with heart disease, avoiding unnecessary restrictions and encouraging moderate and safe activity.