Cardiovascular Care of the Masters Athlete

Guest: Kathryn Larson, M.D.

Host: Sharonne Hayes, M.D.

In this podcast, Dr. Kathryn Larson will discuss current research on the influence of exercise on cardiovascular physiology and health. Specifically, she will discuss her research on the effects of life-long endurance exercise exposures on cardiac function and exercise capacity, particularly as it pertains to female masters athletes. This unique population can serve as an important model of healthy cardiovascular aging and offer therapeutic insights into how exercise truly is an effective therapy.

Topics Discussed:

On a “big picture” scale, what is interesting and unique about older adults who continue to maintain a high level of exercise training?
Aging and the accumulation of cardiac and non-cardiac diseases clearly impact cardiovascular function over time. What lessons can we learn from masters athletes on how things like aging, menopause, and cardiovascular disease interact with a life-long habit of exercise?
What are some of the challenges that come with studying masters athletes?
Is there such a thing as “too much exercise?”

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Podcast episode transcript found here.

Recorded on 09-December-2026.