HomeAnswersGeneral Medicinerunning

Is regular running harmful to the heart?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 40-year-old female and an avid runner, running 5 to 7 miles daily. Is this bad for my heart? I keep reading that I might be damaging it instead of benefiting from it. I have tried running only 3 to 4 miles instead of my usual distance, but it makes me feel crabby. There is no history of heart disease in my family.

Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr.Muhammad Majid Hanif is a highly skilled and established physician in the field of Cardiology. He listens to all the patient queries deliberately and is an expert in devising a proper treatment plan.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Jogging is a good exercise that benefits the entire body, including the cardiovascular system, so you need not worry about it. When it comes to exercise, it is best to vary the pace of physical activities such as running and jogging. Maintaining a steady, fast pace may not be as beneficial. Instead, changing your pace while running can be more advantageous. This helps regulate blood pressure and the heart's activity, as the body works to maintain balance. I recommend having routine heart examinations and follow-ups every three to five months to monitor your overall health.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Answered by
Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At March 5, 2017
Reviewed At September 27, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr.Muhammad Majid Hanif is a highly skilled and established physician in the field of Cardiology. He listens to all the patient queries deliberately and is an expert in devising a proper treatment plan.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

3,160Visits prepared today
4.8/5User rating
~60 secAverage completion time
Companion

Running and Heart Health Companion

How it works

Many people wonder if intense or regular running can harm their heart. Here's what you need to know about running, heart health, and how to optimize your routine.

1

Running
Concerns

2

Jogging
Benefits

3

Varying
Pace

4

Varying
Pace

5

Routine
Exams

6

Overall
Health

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Cardiology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr.Muhammad Majid Hanif is a highly skilled and established physician in the field of Cardiology. He listens to all the patient queries deliberately and is an expert in devising a proper treatment plan.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.