In India, heart attacks are becoming increasingly common. And the majority of cases are from young people, particularly those who are into fitness and exercise regularly. Is there a link between going to the gym or working out and having a heart attack? Can going to the gym increase your chances of having a heart problem and dying from a heart attack? Let us seek the truth.
Heart attacks during exercise, also known as “sudden cardiac arrests,” are uncommon but can happen to anyone, including physically fit people. Here are some signs that your heart isn’t working properly during exercise.
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
1.Chest discomfort
If you feel a squeezing, pressure, or burning sensation in your chest while exercising, stop immediately and seek medical attention. Even though women may experience different heart attack symptoms than men, chest pain remains the most common warning sign for both sexes.
The main symptom for both men and women is chest discomfort, pain, pressure, or burning. If asked, about 90% of men and women have that. The pain could be sharp or dull, or it could feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest.
2.Shortness of Breath
If you have difficulty breathing while exercising, this could indicate that your heart is not getting enough oxygen. This could be the result of a heart condition.
Having trouble breathing while exercising? Your heart is pleading with you to pause and tend to it. During a workout, unusual breathlessness combined with acute chest pain or discomfort may indicate an impending heart attack.
3.Dizziness or lightheadedness
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded while exercising may indicate that your heart isn’t pumping enough blood to your brain. The difference between the sexes is that women have more shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting than men.
According to the CDC, women are also more likely to experience pain in their neck, jaw, throat, abdomen, or back.
Because nerve fibres in the arm and jaw run concurrently with cardiac nerve fibres to the brain, you may experience pain in those areas because your brain misinterprets the pain signal from the heart. The American Heart Association warns that breaking out in a cold sweat, dizziness, or lightheadedness can also be warning signs.
4.Irregular Heartbeat or Abnormal Heart Rhythm
Palpitations or an irregular heartbeat during exercise could be a sign of an underlying heart condition or arrhythmia. A heart problem could be indicated by heart skips, palpitations, or a pounding heart rate. You must stop exercising immediately and seek medical attention.
5.An overall feeling of Fatigue or Weakness
Excessive fatigue or weakness during exercise may indicate that your heart is not pumping efficiently. Some people who simply report feeling unwell or fatigued have a heart attack hours later. Chest pain is present at times, but the nausea is much more prominent, so people may mistake the symptoms for the flu.
6.Pain in Other Parts of the Body
Exercise-related pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back could indicate an underlying heart condition. A problem with your heart can also cause sensations in other parts of your body besides your chest. Discomfort, pain, or pressure in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach can be symptoms.
7.Vomiting or Nausea
Nausea or vomiting while exercising could indicate that your heart is not working properly. According to the AHA, a heart attack can also cause lightheadedness, nausea, and vomiting. Stomach problems may appear unlikely or almost impossible in the aftermath of a heart attack, which is why they are frequently ignored.
When a heart attack occurs, the organ struggles to pump enough blood and oxygen to various parts of the body, including the digestive tract, due to blockage. This causes a decrease in stomach pH, which causes gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may also be confused with stomach problems caused by indigestion. Heartburn symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Conclusion
Exercise should always be taken seriously, especially if you have a cardiovascular condition. Maintaining healthy habits such as eating well and exercising regularly will go a long way towards lowering the chances of having a heart attack while working out at the gym.
Regular check-ups and being aware of signs/symptoms of cardiovascular disease will also help prevent serious consequences, including death, if not taken seriously and on time, especially while exercising or participating in sports!
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If you notice any of these warning signs, stop exercising immediately and seek medical attention. Always remember to listen to your body and take breaks as needed. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
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