People with established health issues have an increased risk of sudden death during vigorous exercise. But the general population has a very low risk of death with strenuous exercise (any activity that increases metabolic rate by at least 6 times [i.e. >6 METs]) [1] – less than one death per 100,000 athlete years according to a recent study of deaths in people between the ages of 25 and 45, ascertained through an ambulance service.[2] But what about people older than 45, among whom I am numbered?!
— Richard Lilford, CLAHRC WM Director
- World Health Organization. What is Moderate-Intensity and Vigorous-Intensity Physical Activity? [Online].
- Landry CH, Allan KS, Connelly KA, Cunningham K, Morrison LJ, Dorian P; for the Rescu Investigators. Sudden Cardiac Arrest during Participation in Competitive Sports. New Engl J Med. 2017; 377(20): 1943-53.