Heart attacks: Hyderabad docs caution against random physical exercises, workouts

Hyderabad: People resort to walking, jogging, workouts, and strenuous exercise to stay fit. But, even people who undergo such physical activities are suffering from heart attacks and cardiac arrests.

Experts opine that people undergo such activities without considering the underlying cardiovascular conditions. Consulting a doctor before such activities and being aware of family history are suggested by experts to stay safe from any untoward incidents.

Since the heart rate and blood pressure (BP) of individuals increase during such extreme physical activities, consulting a doctor and ensuring a proper diet becomes crucial.

Underlying conditions are a threat

Exercise, primarily physical activities is considered important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Such activities can improve physical and mental well-being, including reduction of weight, improving muscle mass, reducing risks of cardiovascular conditions, preventing type-2 diabetes, improving memory, and reducing stress.

But, strenuous exercise can be counterproductive, if the underlying conditions are not considered.

“Nearly one-third of hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol remain undetected before getting heart attacks. Everyone above the age of 40 needs to get a checkup to understand such problems”, Dr. L Kiran Kumar Reddy, interventional cardiologist, and HOD, Onus Heart Institute, Hyderabad explained.

Impacts during workouts

In several instances, people suffer heart attacks or cardiac arrests while doing exercise, jogging, or other workouts. Severe issues including narrowing of veins in the heart are the reasons for such occurrences.

“People with congenital heart disease, and cardiac channelopathies need to be very careful before undergoing exercises. Before beginning such exercises or athletic activities, such individuals must consult a doctor”, said Dr A Ravikanth, consultant cardiologist, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, Hyderabad.

Rupturing of clogs during exercise

People with habits including smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, leading to obesity are prone to develop several noncommunicable diseases. World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 30 minutes a day or 155 to 180 minutes of exercise per week to stay fit.

“From the age of 20 and above, fat accumulation or atherosclerosis happens leading to the formation of cholesterol. During strenuous exercises, the small clogs may rupture suddenly leading to heart attacks”, Dr Kiran Kumar said.

Consulting with a doctor crucial

During severe workouts, due to excess sweating, heart abnormalities can happen while the electrical activity of the heart can also be affected. Further, during workouts blood flow in the heart can occur due to the supply-demand gap. Intense workouts can also cause heart rhythm disorders.

“Consulting a doctor is highly essential to ensure there are no underlying conditions. Following a proper diet is also essential before beginning severe workouts”, Dr Ravikanth added.