Cardiovascular Deaths While Running

Abstract

To the Editor.— Two recent contributions toThe Journalhighlight the importance of gathering accurate data on the incidence of cardiovascular death during jogging or running. The study by Thompson et al (242:1265, 1979) of 18 exercise-related deaths is anecdotal but suggests that such events are not rare. Koplan makes the prediction from available data that from four to 104 cardiovascular deaths per year might be expected on a purely statistical basis. This estimate is a testable hypothesis against which actual events in the exercising population might be measured. A definitive assessment of such risks requires modification of vital statistics procedures to ensure accurate reporting of exercise-related sudden deaths. A high rate of postmortem examinations is also essential to determine the number of cardiovascular episodes. An attempt to quantitate this finite complication rate of strenuous exercise is not to detract from the net benefit to health realized by the millions