Athletes' Heart

Athletes' heart refers to the physiological adaptations of the heart and cardiovascular system seen in people who engage in intense physical training, particularly endurance sports. These changes include an increase in heart size, thicker heart walls, and enhanced efficiency in pumping blood. As a result, athletes often have a lower resting heart rate and improved blood flow. While this condition is usually a normal response to training and typically harmless, it can sometimes be confused with heart disease, so proper evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential for athletes experiencing unusual symptoms or changes in their heart function.