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Ayush Maurya

Why Are Gym Stairs Becoming Death Spots For Young Men?

Updated: Jul 19, 2023


Heart attack after exercise

We frequently assume that men who regularly go to the gym are healthier and have attractive physiques. Given the fact that many Indian superstars who appeared youthful and fit, died from heart attacks after exercise, this may clearly not be the case. Numerous incidents that have happened over decades connect intense workouts and death from cardiac arrest. A troubling pattern indicating the prevalence of deadly heart attacks among those who exercise has become more clearer. Why does this troubling problem happen and what are the crucial safety measures for fitness aficionados to follow? Does intense physical activity increase your chance of having a heart attack? What causes this attack? What do you need to keep in mind during your activities in the gym? In this article, we will delve into the depths of these deaths and share key takeaways for the youngsters.


Are Heart Attacks due to Exercise?

Man resting after exercise
Signs of heart attack after exercise

There have been studies in recent years indicating a significant rise in heart attacks among people taking part in demanding workouts at a fitness centre. These occurrences have surprised the fitness industry as well as the public at large since they raise doubt on the idea that physical activity is always good for one's heart condition. Athletes might experience unexpected cardiac arrest both before and after exercise. But it is quite rare. There are several individuals, who do exercise and

have previously gotten cardiac arrest. It may prove fatal if these sportsmen recklessly strain the limits of physical exercise.


When you are working out, the main notion one needs to adhere to is to prevent very much, very fast; says by Dr. Vivek Chaturvedi, Head of Department, Cardiology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. He also adds that doing so much exercise by exceeding your reps, running, weight, etc. won't benefit you when your age is on a progressive stage. In general, it is advised that we limit our daily activity to an hour.


Understanding The Factors for Heart Attacks after Exercise

Man resting after exercise

Heart attacks can happen in gym environments for a variety of reasons. The lack of understanding among gym attendees about their own levels of maintaining health and fitness is a crucial contributing factor. Before starting an intense exercise program, many people neglect to get a complete physical examination or advise from their doctor about their condition. The likelihood of suffering a heart attack when engaging in strenuous physical activity might be considerably increased by undiagnosed heart problems or associated risks, such as elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, or a family record of heart disease.


To receive emergency medical assistance if needed, one needs to know about the warning signs which they often neglect. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) lists the following factors which includes: Chest ache, feeling of faintness, difficulty in breathing and body aches along with nausea.


Youngsters could make the mistake of thinking that when it comes to exercising more is always good. They could overexert themselves, put themselves in a tremendous amount of labour, or fail to get enough rest and recovery.


Overexercising can result in exhaustion, impaired immune response, complications, and mental exhaustion. Teenagers around the ages of 16 and 30 have a tendency to adopt influencers recommendations, which might not be suitable for all people or different kinds of physique. Individuals need to shift to healthy foods and trustworthy trainers instead.


An unexpected rapid discrepancy in the circulatory systems supply and demand relationships ratio of the cardiovascular system can result from intense exercise and further may lead to cardiac arrest, according to Dr. Adil Sadiq, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon at Sakra World Hospital in Bangalore.


Dr. CH Praveen is a consultant in cardiovascular and vascular surgery at the Omni Hospital in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh and he contends that numerous factors contribute to the rising risk of heart disease in young people and one of the most common factor is not hydrating our body timely. He adds that exercise causes loss of vital electrolytes like potassium and sodium as well as fluids like water. For the cardiovascular system to perform normally, both are necessary and should be available in plenty beforehand.


Fortis Memorial Research Institute's director and chief of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, Dr. Udgeeth Dhir claims that in addition to strenuous activity, protein drinks and muscle-building drugs may damage the cardiac muscles. This may aggravate heart attacks.


Despite the lack of compelling data, Senior Cardiologist, Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai, Dr. Suvarna advises not to use muscle building dietary supplements, particularly in excessive amounts, because they have an adverse effect on the body and may even be harmful. She emphasises maintaining balance whether it is in exercise or taking supplements.


In the fitness centre environment, body shape and muscle development are frequently given priority, sometimes at the expense of other facets of overall wellness. Youngsters may develop a singular focus on accomplishing particular muscular targets, oblivious to the significance of diet, mental health, and general lifestyle preferences. Ignoring these essential components might result in disorders, nutritional inadequacies, and problems with ones psychological well-being.


Adopting Accountability For Yourself

Man drinking water
Hydrate well before exercising

Gym industry is growing more quickly than ever. Youngsters in particular are more drawn to it. However, working out is not necessarily terrible. But what has to be addressed are excessive blunders made in the fitness centre. Things mentioned below must be followed on the individual's part so that the gyms don't turn into death spots.


● Avoid show-off competitions at gyms and workout with insight into what your body can bear.

● Whenever your organs tell you not to continue, do so. Never force yourself to achieve a goal in one go. Give appropriate gaps.

● Drink plenty of water. The human body loses a lot of hydration while exercising, therefore it's crucial to rehydrate it.

● Avoid aggression, mocking, and conducting amusing pranks in the fitness centre.

● Giving your body a nice rest is beneficial when you've been at work for five days straight. This will promote healthy muscular growth and healing.


Senior consultant, Cardiac Department, Dr. Vanit Arora, Apollo Hospital emphasises on checking prior heart conditions before going to the gym. A cardiovascular risk assessment frequently includes the hs-CRP test in addition to other basic measurements like blood pressure and cholesterol readings. People who possess risk factors for cardiovascular diseases but are asymptomatic may find it helpful.


Choosing gyms with AEDs!

Automated External Defibrillators

AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) can be extremely helpful in reducing exercise-related mortality, especially in situations involving sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Here are several ways that AEDs can help to cut down on fatalities:


1. Quick response: Chronic heart disorders can cause an unexpected cardiac arrest, an emergency that can happen while in activity. Anybody on the spot can immediately install an AED because they are made to be easy to use. Early used o AED can prevent mortality.


2. Public accessibility: Installing AEDs in widely accessible areas, such as fitness centres, athletic venues, and community centres, maximises the possibility that someone may be able to use one right away in a moment of need.


3. According to the American Heart Association, each minute that defibrillation is postponed results in a 10% reduction in the chance of surviving probability. AEDs and quick CPR can help patients survive until emergency medical assistance can be provided.


It is crucial to remember that AEDs cannot take the place of timely medical attention in an emergency. They are designed to be utilised as a vital and prompt treatment tool prior to the arrival of medical specialists.


The Takeaway


Fatalities in gyms might be a big worry, especially if they are caused by abrupt cardiac arrest while exercising. However, the adoption of several interventions, such as the accessibility and effective use of AEDs, can aid in reducing mortality in these circumstances.


In conclusion, a complex strategy, including awareness, education, efficient leadership, emergency readiness, and a commitment to both emotional and physical health is needed to avoid mortality among youngsters at gyms. It can be achieved to build safer gym facilities and lower the likelihood of fatal events amongst adolescents by considering these elements. Choose wisely and know thyself.

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