Myth Debunked: Intense Exercise Doesn’t ‘Use Up’ Heartbeats, Research Shows

New research published today, October 27, 2025, definitively dispels the long-held belief that strenuous physical activity depletes a finite number of heartbeats, potentially shortening lifespan – a notion popularized in recent years and even referenced by former President Donald Trump.

The idea that humans are born with a limited number of heartbeats originated from early observations in mammals, noting a correlation between smaller size, faster heart rates, and shorter lifespans, according to Tim van Puyvelde, a cardiologist at KU Leuven research university in Belgium. “It is likely that this notion…comes from early physiological observations,” van Puyvelde stated. However, recent studies, including a 2023 Brigham Young University study of 4,500 people, demonstrate the opposite: regular, vigorous exercise is linked to a longer lifespan and improved cardiovascular health. That study found individuals running at least 75 minutes a week had a biological age approximately 12 years younger than their less active counterparts.

Researchers at KU Leuven, collaborating with the St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne, analyzed heart rate data from over 100 endurance athletes and healthy non-athletes. They discovered athletes had significantly lower resting heart rates – averaging 68 beats per minute compared to 76 in the control group – resulting in a daily “heartbeat saving” of roughly 11,500 beats. This finding, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology Advances, suggests the heart adapts and becomes more efficient with exercise, pumping more blood per beat. Understanding your heart health is crucial, and resources like the American Heart Association offer valuable information.

Further supporting these findings, a 2023 report by the International Longevity Centre at City University of London revealed Commonwealth Games competitors lived 3.9 to 6.3 years longer than average, and even elite endurance athletes, including Tour de France cyclists, demonstrate enhanced longevity. As van Puyvelde explains, while intense exertion temporarily increases heart rate, the long-term effect is improved cardiac efficiency. “Overusing your heart isn’t the problem; it’s not using it enough that might be an issue in the long term,” explained Tom Brownlee, an assistant professor at the University of Birmingham. Monitoring your heart rate recovery can be a key indicator of overall fitness.

Officials emphasize the importance of paying attention to warning signs like palpitations or dizziness, particularly for those with a history of intense endurance training, and encourage individuals to consult with healthcare professionals to determine appropriate exercise levels.