A study of over 200,000 Swedish cross-country skiers who participated in the Vasaloppet race between 1989 and 2011 found that male participants who performed well in the race were at an increased risk of developing abnormally low heart rates and needing pacemakers later in life. The risk increased with the number of races participated in and the speed at which the race was completed. However, there was no link to increased mortality. Female participants did not show the same increased risk. Overall, intense and prolonged exercise can lead to changes in the cardiac conduction system, potentially resulting in bradycardia and the need for a pacemaker.
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Study finds some male cross-country skiers at higher risk for bradycardia and pacemakers
