Elite bodybuilders face a risk of sudden cardiac death up to five times higher than amateurs, with risks persisting even after retirement from competition. Digest
Some bodybuilders push their bodies to extremes in pursuit of the ideal physique—but that pursuit may come at a steep cost. Reports of sudden deaths among elite competitors have raised new concerns about the long-term health risks of this demanding sport. A recent study found that bodybuilders, especially professionals, may be up to five times more likely to die of sudden cardiac death, often linked to enlarged hearts and cardiovascular complications.
The study involved more than 20,000 male athletes who participated in International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness events over a fifteen-year period. Researchers identified deaths during the study period and calculated death rates based on whether the athletes were still actively competing at that time.
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During the study period, researchers noted 121 deaths. Of these, 73 were sudden, including 46 confirmed sudden cardiac deaths. Approximately one-third occurred in bodybuilders who were still actively competing, often during or just after a contest. Sudden cardiac deaths were most common among professional bodybuilders, who were more than five times more likely to die from heart-related causes than amateurs. Interestingly, unlike other elite athletes, bodybuilders in this study exhibited a higher overall death rate, even after retiring from competition.
These findings suggest that bodybuilding may carry considerable—and often overlooked—health risks. It’s noteworthy that resistance training (the foundation of bodybuilding) promotes pathological changes in the heart’s structure. However, incorporating aerobic exercise into a resistance training schedule can counter these effects. Learn more in this clip featuring cardiologist Dr. Ben Levine.