Archive · 19 Aug 2025
Cardiologist: Tips to Prevent Cardiac Arrests Among Gym-Goers
Sometimes, people who go to the gym have a sudden problem with their heart called cardiac arrest.
This is more common in those who work out very hard.
It's often because they have a hidden heart issue they don't know about.
Things like pushing yourself too hard, not drinking enough water, or using special supplements can make it worse.
To stay safe, get your heart checked before hard workouts.
Don't push yourself too fast.
Watch out for signs like chest pain or feeling dizzy.
Eating healthy, drinking water, and avoiding harmful substances helps.
Also, gyms should have tools to help if someone's heart stops.
Sudden cardiac arrests (SCA) are increasingly reported in gym-goers, especially during or after intense workouts.
Underlying heart conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, can be triggered by strenuous activity.
Factors include excessive strain, electrolyte imbalances, use of performance enhancers, and overexertion.
Lifestyle factors like smoking, poor diet, and stress amplify risks when combined with exercise.
Prevention involves medical check-ups, gradual training progression, and emergency preparedness.
- Who
- Gym-goers, especially those engaging in intense workouts.
- What
- Increased reports of sudden cardiac arrests (SCA) in gym-goers.
- When
- In recent years.
- Where
- Gyms
- Why
- Due to hidden heart conditions, unsafe workout practices, and lifestyle habits.
Expert Recommendations
Comprehensive Approach
Prevention Strategies
Expert Recommendations
Focus on safe training practices, awareness, and a healthy lifestyle to mitigate the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Comprehensive Approach
A multi-faceted approach involving individual responsibility, medical guidance, and gym preparedness to prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
- Primary Concern
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
- Affected Group
- Gym-goers
- Contributing Factors
- Underlying heart conditions, overexertion, electrolyte imbalances, performance enhancers
- Warning Symptoms
- Chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, dizziness
- Preventative Measures
- Medical check-ups, gradual workout progression, healthy lifestyle, AEDs in gyms
- Expert
- Dr. Sameer Gupta