Recent studies highlight a grim reality—around 1.9 million deaths globally each year are attributed to cardiovascular diseases, with a staggering 85% resulting from heart attacks and strokes. Alarmingly, India has experienced a sharp rise in heart attack-related deaths, signaling a growing public health concern.
While staying healthy and fit is important and for that exercise is a must, the recent headlines have painted a different picture. In the past few years, there have been several shocking instances of celebrities and fitness enthusiasts collapsing during workouts, tragically leading to fatal heart attacks.
Though gym workouts are generally beneficial for overall fitness, they may pose specific risks for some individuals. What heart attack risks should gym-goers be aware of?
What are the reasons for Heart Attacks while Working Out at the Gym?
Dr Amita Jain, a leading laparoscopic and general surgeon in India explains the risks in this article.
Overexercising or doing strenuous exercises
It has been observed that many people who start working out in the gym have remained physically inactive for most of their lives. When they suddenly engage in intense workout routines, their hearts may struggle to meet the increased demand for blood throughout the body, leading to a mismatch between blood supply and demand. This can result in a heart attack.
High-intensity exercises are a major cause of heart attacks in gyms because they increase the body’s need for oxygen, which the heart must supply by pumping oxygenated blood to tissues and muscles. Overexertion can cause the heart to enlarge and place excessive stress on it, potentially leading to sudden cardiac arrest due to plaque rupture or electrical disturbances in the heart.
Sudden Spike in Blood Pressure
Did you know that intense exercise can raise your blood pressure, increasing the risk of a heart attack, especially if you already have high blood pressure? Elevated blood pressure damages arteries and the cardiovascular system, making heart attacks and strokes more likely.
People who engage in vigorous training often experience hypertension, which can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy and coronary artery disease. Sudden spikes in blood pressure may also destabilize atherosclerotic plaques, potentially causing a heart attack. It’s crucial for gym-goers to monitor their blood pressure: systolic levels should not exceed 200 mm Hg, and diastolic pressure should remain stable during exercise. If you notice any changes, consult your doctor to evaluate your heart risk.
Underlying Conditions
People with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, a history of smoking, or a family history of heart problems face a higher risk of heart attacks during exercise. For those with heart conditions, such as hypertension or atherosclerosis, the risk is even greater. Exercise increases the heart’s workload, and if there are underlying issues like coronary artery disease that restrict blood flow to the heart, it can lead to a heart attack. Many people may not know they have these conditions until an emergency arises.
Therefore, it is essential for anyone starting a new exercise routine, especially those with risk factors, to get a thorough medical check-up to identify and manage potential heart risks.
Absence of Warming up before Gym Workouts
Failing to warm up before intense exercise can significantly increase the risk of a heart attack for gym-goers. Without a proper warm-up, the heart is suddenly subjected to rapid increases in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be too much for individuals, especially those with existing heart issues.
Warming up gradually raises heart rate and prepares the cardiovascular system for more intense activity, while cooling down helps the heart return to normal levels. Skipping these steps can lead to dangerous spikes or drops in heart rate. To minimize risk, it’s crucial to warm up with light activity, practice proper exercise form, and avoid overexertion.
Dehydration
Dehydration can increase the risk of a heart attack, especially for gym-goers. Since water makes up about 60% of our bodies, losing it through sweat, urine, and breathing can thicken the blood, making it harder for the heart to pump effectively.
This decrease in blood volume strains the heart and can lead to arrhythmias due to imbalanced electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These electrolytes are crucial for muscle contractions and heart rhythm, so dehydration disrupts their balance, increasing the likelihood of cardiac events.
Thus it is evident from this article that one should not ignore potential symptoms of heart attack like chest pain, nausea, breathlessness, back pain, etc while working out at the gym. Overexertion, sudden blood pressure spikes, underlying health conditions, lack of warm-up, and dehydration can all contribute to heart attack risks. Staying informed and cautious is key to safe exercise.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi