Marathoners' hearts under the microscope: is that plaque dangerous?

NCT ID NCT07625488

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Radboud University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This study follows 250 male endurance athletes who were part of an earlier study to see how their heart arteries have changed over time. Researchers will use CT scans and AI to examine plaque buildup and determine if it is stable and harmless or likely to cause heart attacks. The goal is to understand why some athletes develop calcium deposits in their heart arteries despite being very fit.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this study could clarify whether high levels of endurance exercise cause dangerous or harmless plaque buildup in athletes' hearts.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It cannot prove cause and effect, and results may not apply to non-athletes or women.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ATHEROSCLEROSIS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

atherosclerosis coronary artery disorder Genetic Risk Score inherited disease susceptibility Motor Activity Plaque, Atherosclerotic

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ATHEROSCLEROSIS CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Radboud University Medical Center

Nijmegen, 6525 GA, Netherlands
University Medical Center Utrecht

Utrecht, 3584 CX, Netherlands

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.