There is a growing and concerning trend among young Indians who seem healthy. Many are thin, follow strict fitness routines, exercise a lot, and look in great shape. Yet they are collapsing suddenly during exercise, sports, or daily activities due to experiencing sudden cardiac arrest and heart attacks.
Sadly, modern fitness culture has distorted our idea of real health. People often think big muscles, defined abs, and long workouts guarantee good heart health and longevity, but outward fitness does not always reflect what is happening internally.
Why are young Indians at risk?
One of the biggest misconceptions is believing that “I work out regularly, so I must be healthy.” In reality, several hidden risk factors may continue silently despite an active lifestyle.
Many young individuals may unknowingly have elevated cholesterol levels, high lipoprotein(a), abnormal apolipoprotein B levels, inherited cardiac conditions, or underlying electrical disturbances in the heart. These cannot be identified merely through appearance or gym performance.
Family history also plays a major role. A person may appear lean and athletic, yet they still have chances of carrying a high genetic risk of heart disease.
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Very intense workouts, sudden bursts of hard exercise, irregular training plans, stimulant fat burners, anabolic steroids, and other performance drugs can all raise the risk of serious heart rhythm abnormalities and abrupt cardiac arrhythmias.
The risk of a 'weekend warrior' lifestyle
Many individuals maintain a sedentary routine for most of the week and abruptly partake in strenuous exercise on weekends. This pattern, commonly referred to as the “weekend warrior” lifestyle, can impose unexpected stress on the heart.
Likewise, extreme dietary regimens that are exceedingly high in protein and very low in carbohydrates may cause dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, which can precipitate arrhythmias and related cardiac complications.
Subtle symptoms should never be ignored
Leaving a patient with chest pain in the emergency room after a normal initial ECG can miss some heart attacks. Most heart attacks happen suddenly with clear ECG signs, but about 5-15% start slowly and change over time. An initial normal ECG can happen in these cases. So, keeping the patient under observation for a few hours and repeating the ECG later is very important. Most people are aware of classic crushing chest pain associated with heart attacks. However, cardiac symptoms are often much subtler in younger individuals.
What are the warning signs?
*Unexplained weariness or diminished ability to exercise
*Dizziness, or instances of fainting.
*Pain in the neck, jaw, arm, upper back, or upper abdomen.
*Heartburn-like discomfort is often misdiagnosed as acidity.
*Shortness of breath during previously acceptable activity.
These symptoms are frequently ignored or attributed to stress, gastritis, muscle strain, or tiredness, delaying prompt medical attention.
Are routine health checkups enough?
Electrocardiograms, cholesterol tests, glucose measures, and echocardiograms are common health exams, and these are simple and helpful screening tests; yet, they may not detect all heart diseases in their early stages.
Depending on an individual’s risk profile, some persons may necessitate a more comprehensive review. Examples of such evaluations include Lipoprotein (a), Apolipoprotein B testing, CT coronary calcium scoring, CT coronary angiography, and specialised rhythm analyses.
Simple habits that protect heart health
Preventive measures can significantly reduce risk:
*Avoid sudden, extreme workouts; progress gradually
*Maintain consistency in physical activity
*Stay hydrated and maintain electrolyte balance
*Avoid anabolic steroids, stimulant drugs, and unnecessary supplements
*Follow balanced nutrition rather than restrictive fad diets
*Get evaluated if you have a family history of heart disease
*Learn CPR and basic emergency response techniques
Exercise itself does not cause heart disease, but it can sometimes trigger an event in someone with an underlying undiagnosed condition. Being fit on the outside should never create a false sense of security.
The need of the hour is not just fitness awareness, but heart health awareness. Identifying tiny signs, understanding personal risk factors, and getting timely medical check-ups can make the difference between prevention and crisis.
The author is a consultant in Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospital, Whitefield.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
