Heart Attack in the Gym: A Growing Concern

In recent years, there have been several instances of celebrities collapsing while working out and succumbing to heart attacks. One of the most recent deaths was that of popular Indian comedian and TV personality Raju Shrivastava.

Earlier in 2021, Indian TV actor Sidharth Shukla died of a heart attack. While he wasn’t in the gym at the time of the cardiac arrest, he was known to follow a stringent workout routine to stay fit and muscular.

What’s causing the sudden surge of heart attacks and deaths in gyms? Let’s find out.

The Risks of Working Out

Exercise is believed to be one of the most effective ways to improve cardiac health. It reduces the risk of various cardiovascular ailments, including heart valve disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and hypertension. Also, it helps control conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol, both known as leading heart attack causes.

That begs the question – why are more people suffering heart attacks in gyms? Several factors have been contributing to this worrisome trend.

Firstly, many people who start working out in the gym have remained physically inactive for the major part of their lives. When they follow intense workout routines, their hearts might have trouble keeping up with the increased demand for blood throughout the body. The mismatch of blood supply and demand can result in a heart attack.

Additionally, overexercising can elevate the heart rate, put too much pressure on the heart, and cause plaque rupture in the arteries. It can even disrupt the heart’s electrical activity. In both cases, the individual is likely to suffer a heart attack.

Tips to Stay Safe

Staying physically active is still the best way to keep heart disease at bay. But before you hit the gym, it’s a good idea to assess your current fitness level and heart health.

Visit a heart disease specialist for a thorough screening to rule out underlying conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or prediabetes. If you’re diagnosed with any of these conditions, talk to the heart specialist about the risks of working out.

If your doctor doesn’t recommend exercising in the gym, explore other options, such as brisk walking, yoga, pilates, etc. The key is to follow your doctor’s advice and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your heart.

If you’re following a workout routine for the first time, it’s crucial to start slow. Give your heart enough time to get accustomed to the increased demand for blood during and after your workout.

Avoid overexercising, and make sure you take adequate breaks throughout your routine. Also, get enough sleep to ensure your body, mind, and heart are well-rested before working out.

Keep an eye out for heart attack symptoms while exercising in the gym. Common symptoms include chest pain, neck pain, nausea, breathlessness, and back pain. If your chest feels heavy before working out, it’s best to skip the gym.

Lastly, choose a trainer who knows how to administer CPR in case of a sudden cardiac arrest. Also, make sure the gym has the necessary equipment, such as first aid kits and defibrillators, to deal with emergencies.

In Conclusion

Routine physical exercise is integral to a healthy lifestyle. However, if you work out in the gym, it’s crucial to understand the risks of overexercising. Talk to a heart specialist to determine whether going to the gym is suitable for you. Otherwise, you can explore other forms of exercise, such as running, walking, cycling, etc.

Dr. C Raghu is one of the best cardiologists in India. He specializes in interventional cardiology and has helped numerous patients live longer and healthier lives. If you’re looking for the best cardiologist in Hyderabad to seek heart disease treatment or understand your risk of heart attack, contact Dr. Raghu today.