Assessment of Coronary Atherosclerosis Using Calcium Scores in Short- and Long-Distance Runners.

Objective: To determine whether there is a "dose-dependent" relationship between coronary atherosclerosis and the burden of exercise.

Background: Recent data have suggested there may be negative consequences related to strenuous exercise. Previous studies evaluating the presence of coronary atherosclerosis as assessed by coronary calcium scores have been confounded by the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors.