4 ms·

I have a concern. A few months ago, a widely publicized study[1] indicated that moderate-to-large amounts of exercise caused a buildup of plaque in the hearts

by said 9y ago

I have a concern. A few months ago, a widely publicized study[1] indicated that moderate-to-large amounts of exercise caused a buildup of plaque in the hearts of middle-aged white men. This correlation was not seen in any women, nor was it seen in black men. Unfortunately, this study included no Indian nor Southeast Asian people. I've seen unrelated studies indicating similar health outcomes for white men and Indian men, so as an Indian man, should I be worried about this? [1]: https://today.uic.edu/physically-active-white-men-at-high-risk-for-plaque-buildup-in-arteries https://today.uic.edu/physically-active-white-men-at-high-ri...

hypersoar 9y ago
Not even middle-aged white men should worry about it. It was more "This population had the highest coronary artery calcification, which matches what other studies have found. We should look into it more" rather than "These white dudes gotta slow down or their hearts'll give out".
- said 9y ago
  I appreciate your response. I’m under the impression that the white men who exercised more had more calcification: > Instead, Laddu and her colleagues found that participants in trajectory group three, or those who exercised the most, were 27 percent more likely than those in trajectory group one to develop CAC by middle age. CAC was measured during the participants’ 25th year in the study using computed tomography, a CT scan, of the chest. At year 25, participants were ages 43 to 55.
DoreenMichele 9y ago
You probably eat different from most white men. If you are concerned, you could look for studies that correlate dietary choices or other factors to such calcification. Exercise is just one factor here and does not operate in isolation.
cowpig 9y ago
Feeling concerned about newly discovered correlations isn't going to help you live longer. Maybe this will help you: http://tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations http://tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations
trendia 9y ago
There was another study that found that thinner people and athletes ate more sugar, on average, than heavier or non-athletic people. Since high sugar levels cause plaque buildup, perhaps that explains the correlation?

by said 9y ago

hypersoar 9y ago

Not even middle-aged white men should worry about it. It was more "This population had the highest coronary artery calcification, which matches what other studies have found. We should look into it more" rather than "These white dudes gotta slow down or their hearts'll give out".

said 9y ago
I appreciate your response. I’m under the impression that the white men who exercised more had more calcification: > Instead, Laddu and her colleagues found that participants in trajectory group three, or those who exercised the most, were 27 percent more likely than those in trajectory group one to develop CAC by middle age. CAC was measured during the participants’ 25th year in the study using computed tomography, a CT scan, of the chest. At year 25, participants were ages 43 to 55.

DoreenMichele 9y ago

You probably eat different from most white men. If you are concerned, you could look for studies that correlate dietary choices or other factors to such calcification. Exercise is just one factor here and does not operate in isolation.

cowpig 9y ago

Feeling concerned about newly discovered correlations isn't going to help you live longer. Maybe this will help you: http://tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations http://tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations

trendia 9y ago

There was another study that found that thinner people and athletes ate more sugar, on average, than heavier or non-athletic people. Since high sugar levels cause plaque buildup, perhaps that explains the correlation?