Mortality, Sudden Cardiac Death Higher for Male Professional Bodybuilders

THURSDAY, May 22, 2025 (HealthDay News) — The risks for death and sudden cardiac death (SCD) are higher for male bodybuilders than amateurs, according to a study published online May 20 in the European Heart Journal.

Marco Vecchiato, M.D., from the University of Padova in Italy, and colleagues examined mortality risk in a large international population of bodybuilders. Male athletes who performed International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) competitions between 2005 and 2020 were identified; deaths were detected through July 2023. Mortality rates were calculated as the overall incidence rate during the monitored period and the annual incidence rate in currently competing athletes.

The study included 20,286 athletes competing in 730 IFBB events, with an average follow-up of 8.1 ± 3.8 years. The researchers identified 121 deaths during the study period; 73 were considered sudden deaths, of which 46 were classified as SCDs, including 11 in currently competing athletes, for an incidence of 32.83 per 100,000 athlete-years. Cardiomegaly and ventricular hypertrophy were consistently seen on available autopsies of SCD cases. Compared with amateurs, professional bodybuilders had a higher risk for SCD (hazard ratio, 5.23).

“For clinicians, our findings suggest the importance of proactive cardiovascular screening and counseling in this population, even in young and apparently healthy athletes,” Vecchiato said in a press release. “Based on this data, the medical associations cannot ignore this health problem anymore and should collaborate with the respective federations and policy makers to promote safer participation. Particularly as the approach of famous athletes can also influence many other people who are engaged in strength training in gyms around the world.”

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