Fitness risk after 50: Did Jackson do too much?

Too little is known about why Michael Jackson collapsed and died mere weeks before an international comeback tour, but heart specialists say the superstar’s demise offers lessons for middle-aged mortals hoping for revivals of their own.

Early reports suggest that Jackson, 50, suffered a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest on June 25, amid weeks of intense physical rehearsals for a 50-show gig starting in London next month. While there’s some question about possible drug abuse, doctors say launching an arduous exercise program causes problems for older people every day.

“After age 40, the frequency of sudden cardiac arrest goes up dramatically under the stress of exercise,” said Dr. Mark Estes, past president of the Heart Rhythm Society based in Washington, D.C.

“Among the worst offenders are famous athletes who still consider themselves in shape.”

It’s vital for older exercisers, even those who were very fit when they were young, to be screened for underlying heart conditions and to build up the intensity and duration of any fitness program gradually — if at all.

“Regular moderate exercise is good for you,” Estes said. “It’s not clear that intense exercise does much more for you.” Read Article

By JoNel Aleccia