What does this research mean for the field?

Marathon runners are not immune to coronary atherosclerosis, as evidenced by autopsy-proved cases of the disease in this population. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONTRADICTORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.CHALLENGES_CONSENSUS.

July 12, 1979

Autopsy-Proved Coronary Atherosclerosis in Marathon Runners

Structured PICO

Does marathon running provide immunity to coronary atherosclerosis?

Population

Marathon runners (autopsy cases)

Intervention

Marathon running

Outcome

Coronary atherosclerosishard clinical

This report examines autopsy findings to evaluate the controversial hypothesis that marathon runners are immune to coronary atherosclerosis.

Abstract

THE relation between coronary-artery disease and marathon running is controversial. In 1961, the Journal published an article in which Currens and White discussed the autopsy findings on "Mr. Marathon"; the diameter of the coronary arteries was described as two to three times normal, and there was only minimal atherosclerosis.1 This description was adduced in support of the contention that athletes capable of covering the marathon distance (42 km, or 26.2 miles) are immune to coronary atherosclerosis.2 , 3 Two recent autopsy reports on marathon runners appear to support this hypothesis: in one, fatal myocardial infarction developed but the coronary arteries were normal . . .

اسأل الذكاء الاصطناعي

Bookmark