Health Uncle:Triathletes Face More Risk

Triathletes are at about twice the risk of sudden cardiac death as marathon runners,according to a Minneapolis Heart Institute study.Several hundred thousand Americans take part in the grueling triathlon event-consisting of swimming,biking and running-each year.Around 15 of every million participants will die suddenly during competition,as opposed to four to eight deaths per million marathon runners.Most of the triathlete heart attacks occur during the swimming portion of the event.Swimming in a natural body of water is more strenuous than in a pool,says Dr.Kevin Harris,a cardiologist at the Institute.The triathletes often just sign up for the events without having had a heart check-up.Many of them are not properly conditioned for these difficult competitions,Dr.Harris points out.Triathlons are becoming increasingly popular as charity fundraisers,and professional events are frequently televised on weekend afternoons,including the Ironman series,stoking the imaginations of amateur triathletes.