Recent research published in the journal Physics of Fluids suggests that high-intensity exercise may cause plaque to move and block blood flow in those with moderately to severely blocked arteries.
The study used a computational model to explore the fluid dynamics of blood flow in arteries at various stages of blockage. They modeled blood flow in unblocked arteries, arteries with 30% blockage, and arteries with 50% blockage. They also measured the effects of different heart rates on blood flow in these arteries: resting rates of 67 beats per minute (bpm) and 100 bpm, and an exercise-induced rate of 140 bpm.
The results showed that the increased heart rate from exercise improved the health of the arteries in cases where there was no blockage or only minor blockage (30%). However, in the moderately blocked artery (50% blockage), the exercise-induced heart rate increased the chances of rupturing the plaque that was blocking the artery. This plaque could potentially then flow to the brain and stop blood flow, causing a stroke. In highly blocked arteries, the higher heart rate also increased the likelihood of another blockage forming in the artery.
The authors of the study recommend regularly checking arterial health for anyone who participates in high-intensity exercise. They further recommend consulting a doctor and only participating in carefully designed exercise regimens for people with highly blocked arteries. Most of us don’t pay attention to the warnings before workout classes about consulting physicians before participating, but those warnings are very important for those with blocked arteries. However, for people without blocked arteries, exercise is still one of the best ways to improve heart and artery health.
Sources: Physics of Fluids, EurekAlert!
