Fatal Myocardial Infarction in Marathon Racing

Abstract

A 44 yr old trained marathon runner collapsed after completing 24 miles of the 1973 Boston Marathon. He was resuscitated from ventricular fibrillation. Death occurred after 50 days of coma. Extensive transmural anterior myocardial infarction was documented on ECG and proved at autopsy, yet the coronary arteries were free of significant atherosclerosis. This report may be the 1st documentation of a myocardial infarction in a trained athlete while participating in a marathon. The relation between exertion and infarction is unknown. Advocates of long distance running for prevention of, or rehabilitation from, ischemia heart disease should be aware of this possible complication.