By Dr S P Pradhan on 21th July, 2023
Exercise has beneficial role in overall health. It reduces the chances of cardiovascular morbidity and stroke.
The rising incidence of heart attacks while workout in gym has raised the concern about strenuous exercise in those people with pre existing cardiovascular diseases. Before understanding the matter, we should know the basic mechanism or pathogenesis of heart attacks.
What is Heart Attack?
The blood supply to heart is done by coronary arteries. When the blood supply to coronary arteries is compromised, it manifests as heart attack. The normal blood flow is compromised due to blockage in arteries supplying heart, the phenomenon known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs due to thrombosis. Thrombosis mainly occurs due to high cholesterol causing partial blockage of blood vessels. Underlying cardiac conditions even worsen the phenomenon.
Risk factors for Heart Attack during Gym Workout
Underlying cardiac conditions
The underlying cardiac conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hypertension, coronary artery disease, previous silent heart attack are the biggest risk factors. They compromise the existing blood flow and potentiate the risk of heart attack. Hypertrophic heart disease usually seen in body builders, athletes due to regular strenuous exercises. High blood pressure put extra strain on heart due to non compliance blood vessels. Coronary heart diseases with blockage decrease overall blood flow.
Strenuous exercises
Strenuous exercises severely contact the heart muscles without much time for relaxation. The underlying cardiac conditions aggravate the situation risking the chances of heart attack.
Cardiac stimulants before exercise
Some people are addicted to take stimulants in form of drinks to get a push during exercise.This increases the heart rate and blood pressure which aggravates during exercise.
Habit of steroid intake
Steroids are taken by bodybuilders have many systemic side effects. They have a negative profile on cardiovascular health. They can increase the blood pressure and thrombosis risking heart attack.
Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol intake are the risk factors for heart diseases. People with such habits must quit for a fruitful healthy life. Smoking also causes vasoconstriction and potentiate atherosclerosis. Moderate to severe drinking of alcohol also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Exercise with Stress
Now a days the youth population are living with too much stress. Stress due to disturbed work life balance also known to be big risk factors for heart attack. Exercise puts additional burden alongwith stress causing risk of thromboembolism.
