A new scientific study has found that marathon running can cause measurable short-term changes in the heart, including temporary increases in cardiac stress biomarkers and slight alterations in heart structure and function, although researchers say there is no evidence of lasting damage in healthy individuals.

The study, published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, analysed 69 separate studies involving healthy adult marathon runners. Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand how the heart responds to the extreme physical stress of completing a 42.2-kilometre race. They examined both blood-based cardiac biomarkers and imaging results to assess structural and functional changes immediately after marathon completion.

One of the key findings was a significant rise in cardiac injury biomarkers such as troponin T, troponin I, and NT-proBNP after marathon running. These substances are typically associated with heart stress or injury and are commonly used in medical settings to detect conditions like heart attacks or heart failure. In some cases, post-race levels exceeded standard clinical thresholds, indicating that the heart experiences intense temporary strain during endurance events.

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The study also observed small but measurable changes in heart structure following marathon completion. Imaging tests showed a slight increase in left ventricular dimensions and a small reduction in right ventricular size. These chambers of the heart are responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout the body and to the lungs respectively, and are placed under significant demand during prolonged endurance exercise.

In terms of function, researchers noted minor changes in how efficiently the heart pumped blood. There was a slight increase in left ventricular contraction performance and a modest reduction in right ventricular ejection fraction. However, these variations were small and considered temporary physiological responses rather than signs of permanent or harmful damage.

Overall, the researchers concluded that while marathon running does produce clear short-term stress responses in the heart, there is no strong evidence that these changes lead to long-term cardiac harm in healthy runners. They emphasised that regular physical activity remains highly beneficial for cardiovascular health, and the observed effects are likely temporary adaptations to extreme endurance exertion.

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