We all know regular exercise is keyĀ to good health, but apparently there can be too much of a good thing.

According to twoĀ recent studies, getting too much exercise can be dangerous to those with existing heart problems. (ViaĀ Wikimedia Commons / Kyle Cassidy)

One decade-longĀ study published inĀ the journalĀ HeartĀ looked at more than 1,000 older patients who were diagnosed with heart disease. Not surprisingly, the least physicallyĀ active were twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke than those who were more physically active.

But the German researchers also found that those who engaged in strenuous daily exercise were twice asĀ likely toĀ die ​from a heart attack or stroke than those who only moderately exercised a few times a week. (ViaĀ Flickr / Herald Post)

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Older patients aren't the only ones who need to be aware of the dangers of too much exercising. A second study in the same journalĀ found that even younger physically active menĀ can develop heart problems, too.

Swedish researchers studied the physical activity ofĀ more than 44,000 men periodically over 12 years. They found that those who exercised more than five hours per week were 19 percent more likely to develop irregular heart rhythm than those who exercised less often. (ViaĀ Heart)

On the other hand, according toĀ Medical News Today, study participants who were older than 60 andĀ performed less-intense exercises, such as walking, were 13 percent less likely to develop a heart condition than those who did not exercise at all.

In a linked editorial, the authors also noted a difference inĀ perceived exercise intensity at various age levels.

"The intensity of exercise performed by 30-year-olds is higher than that performed by 60-year-olds, meaning that the same degree of exercise might be reported as moderate at 30 years of age and intense at 60."Ā (ViaĀ Heart)

TheĀ Centers for Disease Control and PreventionĀ saysĀ more exercise means more health benefits — even saying senior adults should go beyond the recommendedĀ amounts for younger adults.

However, theseĀ studies suggest that even though exercise is beneficial to a healthy lifestyle, there are some drawbacksĀ with prolonged and high-intensity activities.

A medical professional not associated with either studyĀ toldĀ CBSĀ that patients should be evaluated by a cardiologist who can set up a personalizedĀ exercise program. (ViaĀ UnitedĀ StatesĀ Air Force)

She also endorsed theĀ American Heart Association's guidelines, which recommend at least half an hour of moderate cardio five days a week and moderate muscle-strengthening activity two days a week.

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