does powerlifting actually do anything for the heart?

[BigJon55]

The stress from heavy lifting has a direct correlation with increased arterial stiffness. There are about a million studies on this. So the cardio is a must for someone with family history of cardiac problems.

Also, don't use powerlifting as an excuse to eat a bunch of $hitty food. Get your diet in check because that will be the main contributer to any problems you have in the future.

^This

[BigJon55]

doesn't long distance running or doing too much cardio also harden the arteries?

No, it actually stops them from hardening

[littlebones6]

Amount of LV hypertrophy is largely depending on how much maximal work you do. If you treat your assistance work like bodybuilding, it will have favourable effects on the heart and vasculature, as well as doing some good old fashioned conditioning and keeping the diet in check.

[littlebones6]

Powerlifting causes thickening of the left ventricle wall, which can be problematic. The problem I have found is most discussion of this suggest ventricular wall thickening is problematic without ever stating how much is ok, and how much is problematic. Also, how much thickening can the typical powerlifter without any other health concerns expect? Thats what I am not sure about.

I had an echocardiogram not long ago and they said I had a slightly enlarged heart (no specifics) and I am not too concerned but am glad there is a baseline established.

If I recall right the amount that occurs is far from enough that could actually do serious damage (ref: cardiorespiratory physiology course). If you're paranoid: do cardio, keep diet in relative check, and do higher rep accessory work.

[takeittakeit]

Just looking at a barbell will cause your heart to explode.

This is all fascinating, but is anyone actually going to change their behavior based on any of it?

[fatbencher]

Heart rate and blood pressure go through the roof while attempting near max/max weights. It has absolutely nothing to do with rest intervals.

We were talking about aerobic effects. Are you saying that there is no difference between taking 40 seconds rest between sets and taking 10 minutes between sets? The first keeps the heart rate up (mine only drops below 100 bpm between sets 1 and 2), the second probably does nothing for cardiovascular fitness indeed.