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

NCT ID NCT07625488

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 2 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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Radboud University Medical Center

    Nijmegen, 6525 GA, Netherlands

  • University Medical Center Utrecht

    Utrecht, 3584 CX, Netherlands