A groundbreaking five-year study by Amsterdam UMC researchers, in collaboration with NOC*NSF, has revealed significant differences in how male and female athletes’ hearts adapt to intensive training, potentially setting a new standard for female heart healthcare. The study, which monitored over 600 top athletes, found that male athletes develop thicker heart muscles and larger ventricles, while women primarily show wider ventricles.

The research highlighted that different sports impact the female heart differently, with female endurance athletes, such as cyclists, showing the largest ventricles and heart muscle mass, exceeding that of gymnasts. This suggests the heart adapts based on the type of stress it endures.

According to sports cardiologist Harals Jorstad, this is the first study of its kind to be carried out in such detail. The research also pointed out that heart problems in women, such as arrhythmia, have been under-researched, and men are nine times more likely to die during strenuous activity.

Researchers emphasize the importance of gender-specific knowledge, particularly as women’s athletic performance improves. “More is being asked from the female heart than ever, more than we knew it could cope with,” noted researcher Maarten van Diepen.

The ongoing research aims to explain why female hearts behave differently from male hearts, exploring factors such as training methods and hormones. The results will also be used to better support and protect all women, not just top athletes, from heart problems.