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Short Workouts, Big Benefits
26 December, 2023
Cardiac Care, Expert Advice
It has now become a new risk factor: heart attacks in the gym. What was once considered safe havens for good health and fitness ironically present some of these individuals, especially those pushing themselves to the limit of their physical endurance or, worse still, even those not fully aware of their heart-related condition, with something of a paradox: can gym cause heart attacks? And if so, how can we exercise safely while reducing these risks?
When people imagine the benefits of exercise, they think of improved cardiovascular health, weight loss, and overall fitness. However, a growing number of cases involving cardiac arrest in gym settings are challenging these perceptions. However, why should such an event take place, especially for young, healthy-looking individuals? Remember that as much as there are many benefits of exercise, it is capable of placing a person in danger if the individual does not learn the proper way of taking care of him or herself, particularly those with undiscovered or old heart problems.
Although rare, heart attacks can happen during or after exercise, and the side effects of gym for some individuals can be severe. This is often linked to a combination of factors, including the intensity of the workout, the individual’s health status, and lifestyle choices.
It can overexert the heart if not done under proper guidance and with much consideration of the physical limitations of individuals. Heavy exercises, especially those that cause an increase in muscle mass, increase the blood pressure level and put additional stress on the cardiovascular system.
A sharp, quick bout of high-intensity exercise-e.g., sprinting, powerlifting, a session of CrossFit-can quickly send the heart rate and increased blood pressure soaring. For someone with an undiagnosed heart condition, this may precipitate a heart attack in the gym. Injuries from over-exertion or faulty exercise techniques can occur, potentially causing life-threatening cardiovascular events. While exercise is often regarded as an excellent way to prevent heart issues, excessive or unmonitored exercise can have the opposite effect, contributing to a gym heart attack.
Heavy lifting and intense cardiovascular exercises can lead to a significant spike in blood pressure, especially if done incorrectly. This sudden pressure increase can cause a heart attack in those with pre-existing but undiagnosed cardiovascular conditions. Is gym bad for heart? It can be if the workout is not managed correctly or if the individual is unaware of their physical health limitations.
During intense workouts, the body’s blood pressure naturally rises. For most people, this temporary increase returns to normal after exercise. However, in individuals with heart issues, this rise can be dangerous. When the heart is overworked and blood pressure spikes too high, it increases the chances of heart attack signs after exercise.
One of the leading causes of sudden death after exercise is undiagnosed heart conditions. Conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart arrhythmias, or heart valve issues may not show obvious symptoms during everyday activities. However, during strenuous exercise, these hidden problems can manifest suddenly, leading to heart attack in gym.
Even if a person feels physically capable of handling an intense workout, they may be unaware of underlying heart problems that can be exacerbated by exercise. Blockages in the arteries can limit blood flow to the heart, leading to an unexpected heart attack during or after a workout.
Aside from physical exertion, other lifestyle choices can contribute to an increased risk of heart attack in gym settings. Factors such as smoking, poor diet, and pre-existing health conditions can all play a role in heart health.
Smoking is a significant contributor to heart disease and increases the risk of a heart attack. For individuals who smoke, the risk of a heart attack is heightened, particularly during physical exertion. The combination of smoking and high-intensity exercise can severely strain the heart, leading to gym heart attack.
A poor diet, particularly one high in cholesterol and saturated fats, can contribute to the development of coronary artery disease. This can cause blockages in the arteries, limiting blood flow to the heart. When coupled with exercise, these blockages can lead to heart attack signs after exercise.
Similarly, obesity is a risk factor for heart disease. Individuals who are overweight and begin an intense workout regimen may place undue stress on their hearts, particularly if they haven’t exercised regularly beforehand.
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of heart disease due to the damage high blood sugar can cause to the blood vessels. During exercise, if blood sugar levels aren’t properly monitored, it can increase the likelihood of a heart attack.
Knowing how to recognise the signs of a heart attack during exercise can make all the difference. Here are some common heart attack signs after exercise to watch out for:
One of these symptoms are not to be taken lightly, especially when brought on by or occurring right after physical exertion. If you or anyone with you experienced any of these, go see a doctor immediately.
Exercising should improve your health, not put you at risk. Following these precautions can help prevent a reason for heart attack in gym and ensure your workouts remain safe and effective:
1. Get a Heart Health Check-Up: Before starting an intense workout regimen, especially if you are over 40 or have a history of heart disease, getting a complete cardiovascular check-up is essential. This can help identify any underlying conditions that might put you at risk for a gym heart attack.
2. Know Your Limits: Push yourself, but do just what is necessary. Recognising your limits and understanding your body’s signals can help prevent injury and reduce the risk of a heart attack in gym.
3. Warm Up and Cool Down: Properly warming up before exercise and cooling down afterwards can help regulate your heart rate and blood pressure, reducing the strain on your heart.
4. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can stress the heart during exercise. Drinking plenty of water is essential to maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system while working out.
5. Avoid Smoking and Maintain a Healthy Diet: Smoking, as discussed earlier, significantly increases the risk of heart disease. Maintaining a balanced diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats can help protect your heart from blockages.
6. Listen to Your Body: Stop exercising and assess your symptoms if something feels wrong. Chest pain, extreme fatigue, and dizziness should not be ignored. It’s better to be cautious than to risk a gym heart attack.
While the gym is seen as a place to tone up the heart, it’s high time the risks become evident. For others, severe exercises end up being the worst nightmarish threats for most, especially if they have undiagnosed health issues. Therefore, taking proper precautions, keeping a track record of your health, and knowing the level of endurance that your body can endure would surely prevent the risk of having heart attacks in the gym and make one’s fitness journey safer.
It is worth noting here that exercise, if exercised properly, continues to be one of the very best ways of preventing any kind of heart disease. But some side effects of gym for male and females can prove fatal if not taken with caution. Therefore, always seek the advice of a healthcare professional if you have issues with your heart health, and always keep on exercising for the betterment of your body without putting it at high risk.
Atrius Cardiac Care works toward the ideal of ensuring that patients receive advanced cardiac care, which should encompass giving them a holistic service in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart conditions. We possess a highly skilled team of cardiologists having state-of-the-art diagnostic technology in order to empower people about their heart health with personalised care plans. Atrius Cardiac Care helps you to maintain a healthy heart by providing either guidance about safe exercise or treatment for existing heart conditions, kept on the cutting edge of innovative work, patient-centric, and constantly improving, all to ensure that your heart will be in the best of hands.
