Enlarged heart

I am a heart patient, 69 years old.  My son whom is 34 years old is in excellent condition and runs 5 mile each day.  My question is, can running cause his heart to enlarge?  I have heard that it can.

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Dear Big Bill,

People with high levels of physical conditioning can have what is known as an athlete's heart, where all of the heart chambers are enlarged. This is not associated with poor long term  outcome. The heart chambers return to normal if exercise is dicontinued.


Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KE