This risk is called "sudden cardiac death," which occurs when the heart suddenly stops functioning, leading to death within minutes. It is the most common cause of death among elite athletes, although it is usually associated with people with underlying heart disease.
An Italian research team examined the medical and competition records of nearly 9,447 professional female bodybuilders who participated in at least one competition between 2005 and 2020, finding that 32 of them died during that period, with an average age of 42.
The results showed that 31% of these women's deaths were due to sudden cardiac death, making it the most common cause.
The study revealed that the risk of sudden cardiac death was 20 times higher among professional female bodybuilders than among amateurs. Women were also four times more likely than men to commit suicide, which experts linked to social pressures and body image expectations.
"Bodybuilders, both men and women, often engage in strenuous training, using strategies such as fasting and dehydration, and some even rely on performance-enhancing substances, which can cause significant cardiovascular damage," explained Dr. Marco Vecchiato, lead author of the study and a sports medicine expert at the University of Padova in Italy.
He added that intense exercise raises heart rate and strains muscles, which can exacerbate underlying health conditions and heart rhythm disturbances and increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
The team cautioned that the findings were based on online searches, calling for further study. The researchers also noted the possibility that the deaths of lesser-known female bodybuilders may be underreported.
"This research reminds us that the pursuit of muscle and fitness, while celebrated by society, can come at a cost to cardiovascular health," said Dr. Fischiato. "Awareness of these risks is essential to promoting safer training practices and making informed decisions, while changing the culture of sports is essential to raising awareness among professionals and beginners alike."
The study was published in the European Heart Journal.
