Exercise is often touted as a magic cure for many health issues. Still, of late, there has been a noticeable trend of apparently healthy people who exercise regularly falling prey to heart attacks.
We had experts break down why this happens.
Dr Lakshmi Navya, Consultant, Cardiologist from Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada, explained that heart disease risk is influenced by two types of factors: modifiable (lifestyle-related) and non-modifiable factors. The modifiable risk factors that are under our control include lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, and smoking; non-modifiable factors such as age, genetics, age, and family history, are beyond our control. These factors can make an individual vulnerable to heart diseases regardless of their external fitness.
One hormone that plays a crucial role in heart health is cortisol. Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone, which is elevated with chronic stress. Persistently elevated cortisol can damage blood vessels and increase heart disease risk. Although exercises help mitigate stress, the intensity of exercise is very important. Studies have shown that high-intensity exercises can spike cortisol levels temporarily. Thus, intense workouts without adequate recovery may pose the threat of a heart attack because of the presence of underlying stress and other non-modifiable risk factors.
Another word of caution is combining fad diets with intense exercise. Such diets often lack essential nutrients. This leads to a disruption of metabolism, which may inadvertently raise the risks for heart attacks even in those who appear lean or muscular.
According to Dr Narasimha Pai, Consultant, Cardiology, KMC Hospital, Mangalore, the increase in heart attacks among young, healthy-looking people is complicated and not always readily comprehensible. Genetics could play a role. Also, an unfamiliar period of vigorous physical exertion could cause a plaque (build-up of fatty acids within the walls of arteries) to rupture, causing a heart attack. Another reason could be a small infarct (partial blockage of a coronary artery) that has gone undiagnosed for too long.
Physical fitness alone does not ensure a healthy heart. Underlying conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a condition where the heart muscles become abnormally thick), weak heart pumping, or valve problems can easily be overlooked without tests, such as echocardiograms. Those conditions can cause sudden cardiac arrest even in healthy people.
However, a heart attack will rarely come on without any signs. There will be subtle indicators: chest pains when walking up hills, pains when you eat, pain in the left arm and jaw, with sweating or nausea. Don’t ignore any of these signs and seek help right away, as these are all symptoms that could be indicative of blocked arteries.
Experts say that extreme workouts- either in duration or manner can be hazardous. Sudden exertion, like running on a treadmill without appropriate screening, can lead to cardiac problems. It’s also critical to know about the health of the heart with tests such as treadmill ECGs or CT angiograms, before undertaking heavy workouts. Exercise regimens should be personalised with medical advice.
Do not ignore routine screening. Blood sugar level, a lipid profile, echocardiography, and even a treadmill test could all identify hidden cardiac risks in asymptomatic people and prevent tragedies.
