5 Heart Tests Are Crucial:
Gyms are no longer just places to build muscle; they can also become hotspots for sudden heart issues. In recent years, heart attacks during workouts have gained attention, leading doctors to recommend health screenings before starting or increasing workout routines.
Why Heart Attacks Happen During Exercise
Intense exercise can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure, especially if the body isn’t gradually adjusted to the physical strain. While this spike is natural during intense workouts, it can be dangerous for individuals with weak hearts or blocked arteries.
Conditions like coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can go unnoticed until physical activity triggers them. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, or unmanaged diabetes increase the risk, even among young adults.
What Doctors Say
Dr. Obaidur Rahman, an orthopedic and sports surgeon, shared a case of a man who collapsed on a treadmill after a regular cardio session. Despite all efforts, the man couldn’t be revived. Postmortem reports revealed he had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle thickens, making it harder to pump blood. This condition could have been detected early with a simple scan, possibly saving his life.
Five Essential Tests for Gym-Goers
For individuals over 30, those with a family history of heart disease, or those starting a new fitness routine, certain tests are crucial for preventing heart problems:
1. ECG (Electrocardiogram): Records the heart’s electrical signals to detect abnormalities like arrhythmias.
2. 2D Echo (Echocardiography): Ultrasound images of the heart to assess its structure and function.
3. TMT (Treadmill Test or Stress Test): Evaluates how the heart performs under physical stress.
4. Blood Tests (Troponin and NT-proBNP): Detect early signs of heart strain or injury.
5. Lipid Profile + HbA1c: Checks cholesterol levels and blood sugar to detect early signs of heart disease.
Preventive Measures Matter
Doctors stress that these tests are not a luxury but essential, especially for individuals over 30 or those with risk factors. Early detection can save lives.
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