A new study published in the European Heart Journal has raised serious concerns about the rising rate of sudden cardiac deaths among male professional bodybuilders. Researchers found that bodybuilders are five times more likely to die from heart-related causes than amateur lifters, with an average age of death at just 45.
- Disturbing Stats: 121 verified deaths were recorded among 20,000+ male bodybuilders between 2005–2020. 40% of those were due to cardiac causes.
- Professional Danger: Pros were at much higher risk, with autopsies revealing enlarged hearts and signs of coronary disease.
- Drug Factor: Many of the deceased were found to have used anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing substances.
- Cultural Concern: Scientists say the bodybuilding industry’s pressure for extreme physiques, crash dieting, dehydration, and intense training is fueling the crisis.
- Call to Action: Experts urge early heart screening, counseling, and a cultural shift away from unsafe practices and doping.
While the aesthetic appeal of bodybuilding draws admiration, this study reveals a dark side of the sport, where ambition can cost lives. It's a wake-up call not just for athletes, but also for coaches, fans, and sponsors to rethink how "fitness" is defined and rewarded.
This research underscores a growing health crisis within the bodybuilding world. Scientists are calling for urgent reforms, better education, and safer training practices to prevent more lives from being lost in pursuit of physical perfection.
