Starting gym? Cardiologist recommends five tests to reduce the risk of heart attack in young adults
Why Heart Attacks Happen During Exercise
Heavy and strenuous workouts can cause a sharp spike in blood pressure if not approached gradually and correctly.
Increased blood pressure during a tough gym session is natural, but if someone already has a weak heart or blocked arteries, this spike can be dangerous.
Undiagnosed conditions like coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy often go unnoticed until triggered by physical exertion.
Lifestyle habits such as smoking, poor diet, or unmanaged diabetes compound the risk, even in younger individuals
What the doctor says
Dr. Obaidur Rahman, an Orthopedic and Sports Surgeon (MS, RML), recently shared a tragic case that underscores the importance of preventive screening. One morning, a man collapsed on a treadmill after a regular cardio session. By the time he reached the emergency room, his heart had already stopped twice.
Despite all efforts, he couldn't be revived.
Postmortem findings revealed he had Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. It's a silent condition that can be easily detected through a simple scan, and if caught early, lives can be saved.
5 essential tests for gym-goers
If you're over 30, have a family history of heart disease, or are beginning a new fitness regime, these tests are not optional; they are critical.
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
A basic but powerful test, the ECG records the heart's electrical signals. It can detect abnormalities like arrhythmias and help predict the risk of sudden heart failure. It's painless, quick, and a good baseline test for anyone starting workouts.
2D Echo (Echocardiography)
This ultrasound scan provides live images of the heart, assessing its structure and function. It helps spot conditions like HCM, valve disorders, and other heart defects that might otherwise go unnoticed.
TMT (Treadmill Test or Stress Test)
This test evaluates how your heart performs under physical stress. You'll be asked to walk or run on a treadmill while your heart activity is monitored. It's especially useful in revealing blocked arteries or poor blood flow that only shows up during exertion.
Troponin and NT-proBNP
These blood tests check for early signs of cardiac strain or injury. Elevated levels could indicate silent heart damage or stress that may not yet be showing symptoms.
hs-CRP and ESR(Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
Inflammation plays a key role in cardiovascular disease. While ESR measures general inflammation, hs-CRP is more specific to heart-related inflammation. High readings could signal higher risk for heart issues in the future.
Lipid Profile + HbA1c
These tests check cholesterol and long-term blood sugar levels. Elevated cholesterol and uncontrolled diabetes are two major contributors to heart disease and stroke. Early detection allows for dietary and medical intervention.
'These tests are not a luxury.'
Many people assume these are 'extra' or advanced screenings meant only for the elderly or elite athletes. But as Dr. Rahman stresses, 'These are life-saving tests. Especially if you're over 30, push yourself hard in the gym, or have a family history—please, get checked first.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
The silent heart condition putting young adults at risk: What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, and what are the overlooked symptoms
On the surface, it all looks nice and shiny; energetic and unstoppable, even. However, a threat seems to be lurking around the corner and creeping up silently in the lives of young adults. What is it? It's called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) . Often symptom-free and misunderstood, this genetic heart condition thickens the heart muscle, especially in the left ventricle, making it harder to pump blood and increasing the risk of dangerous heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death. And mistake not for its 'silent' nature, it can strike without warning. Characterized by thickened heart muscle, HCM reduces the heart's pumping efficiency and often hides behind vague symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or fainting. Because many affected individuals are asymptomatic or misinterpret symptoms as stress or poor fitness, this condition often goes unnoticed until a serious event, such as sudden cardiac arrest. What Is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy? HCM is a genetic heart condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, often impacting the wall between the pumping chambers, known as the septum. This thickening can narrow the pathway for blood to leave the heart (obstructive HCM) or simply make the heart stiffer and less able to fill and pump efficiently (non-obstructive HCM). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Him? Sit Down Before You See What He Looks Like Now 33 Bridges Undo This increased muscle mass can also disturb the heart's electrical system, raising the risk of dangerous arrhythmias and, tragically, sudden cardiac death, even in otherwise healthy young people. While many people with HCM live normal lives, the condition is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) among young athletes and active adults under 35. Why it's called the 'silent' heart condition Many individuals with HCM never experience noticeable symptoms ; some estimates suggest up to 50% may remain symptom-free or only mildly symptomatic. Others may dismiss faintness, chest tightness, or breathlessness as normal fatigue or stress. HCM is alarmingly common among young adults and athletes; studies show it's the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes, accounting for nearly one in four such cases. Why young adults are especially at risk Young people with undiagnosed HCM may seem perfectly healthy, but they experience hidden danger. Older research suggested mortality rates up to around 6% per year in children with HCM, often due to SCD. However, recent advancements in treatments such as implantable defibrillators (ICDs), targeted medications, and surgical options have improved outcomes dramatically. A study tracking nearly 500 patients aged 7 to 29 found a lower annual HCM-related death rate of about 0.5%, thanks to early intervention and modern treatment strategies. Furthermore, family history is a key clue. HCM is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning a child has a 50% chance of inheriting it from an affected parent. Even elite athletes with no symptoms can suffer sudden cardiac arrest, as happened to high school wrestler J.J. at age 18 and an NBA player, Jared Butler, who learned of his diagnosis during a routine physical at 18 – cases that have drawn much attention to the 'silent' killer. Overlooked and subtle symptoms Many individuals with HCM don't experience obvious symptoms or may ignore them: Shortness of breath during exertion or even at rest Chest pain or angina-like discomfort during activity Heart palpitations, dizziness, or fainting episodes Fatigue, swelling in the legs or abdomen, and unusual lightheadedness These signs are often dismissed as stress, poor fitness, or non-serious ailments; delay in diagnosis is common. In some cases, sudden death is the first obvious indication of HCM. Screening and early detection: Why it matters Because HCM is often inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, family history matters. Screening methods include listening for heart murmurs, plus diagnostic tools like ECG, echocardiograms, MRI, and genetic testing. Early treatment can slow or prevent disease progression. A clinical trial found that young adults treated early with valsartan (a blood pressure medication) showed reduced physical progression of HCM vs. placebo. Treatments of HCM While HCM can't be cured, it can be effectively managed. Management of HCM is likely to include: Medications like beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, disopyramide, and the newer FDA-approved drug mavacamten. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) for those at high risk of SCD. In severe cases, surgical interventions, like septal myectomy or alcohol septal ablation, can relieve obstruction. Shared decision-making with your medical team to tailor treatment based on your age, goals, and risk factors. Lifestyle changes, including avoiding vigorous competitive sports, can reduce risk and improve quality of life. Thanks to modern therapies, most individuals have a normal life expectancy and manage well with proper monitoring and support. Living with HCM: What you should do Be alert to subtle symptoms: don't brush off fainting, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Know your family's heart history: First-degree relatives should get screened. Get early and accurate testing if at risk: ECG, echo, MRI, and genetics can offer clarity. Work closely with your care team: Use shared decision-making to choose the best management path. Stay informed on new treatments: Medications like mavacamten and minimally invasive procedures offer promising options. The parting thought Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a silent, and often deadly, heart condition that hides behind normal activity, especially in the young and fit. But with awareness, screening, and early action, lives can be protected. If you or a loved one experiences unexplained breathlessness, fainting, chest pain, or palpitations, or has a family history of heart disease, talk to a doctor. A simple test could be the difference between tragedy and prevention. Catching HCM early can make it manageable, not deadly. How To Identify Heart Attack
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Ortho surgeon shares 5 life saving tests you must do before you start going to gym ‘in times of sudden cardiac arrests'
Dr Obaidur Rahman, an ortho and sports surgeon, took to Instagram on August 6 to share a 'very very important message': 'In times of sudden cardiac arrest in gym, here are five tests you should do before starting gym.' He said, 'In the race for aesthetics, we ignore the one muscle that keeps us alive. Your heart. So if you've just started working out or plan to, please, do these 5 heart-specific tests first.' Also read | Cardiologist warns 'your blood tests don't tell the full story'; suggests 1 test that catches insulin resistance early It's particularly important to undergo these tests if you're: over 30 years old, have a family history of heart disease or plan to engage in strenuous exercise or high-intensity workouts.(Pic for representational purpose only) 5 tests you should do before starting gym Dr Rahman added, 'These aren't 'luxury' tests. These are life-saving screens, especially if you're over 30, have a family history, or push hard in the gym.' He said that the tests he has listed are crucial for assessing cardiovascular health, especially for individuals over 30, those with a family history of heart disease, or those who engage in strenuous physical activity like gym workouts. These tests are: 1. ECG (Electrocardiogram) – baseline rhythm 2. 2D Echo – for structural heart diseases 3. TMT (Treadmill Test) – to assess stress response 4. High-sensitivity Troponin + NT-proBNP – markers of silent cardiac strain, Hscrp and esr 5. Lipid Profile + HbA1c – metabolic red flags It's important to get tested before it's too late The doctor further shared a patient's case and wrote in his caption, 'He was just 34. A father. A software engineer. And one of the kindest patients I'd ever met. He had recently started going to the gym — 'trying to get healthy again', he said with a half-smile. One morning, after his usual cardio session, he collapsed on the treadmill. No chest pain. No dizziness. No warning. Just silence.' 'By the time he reached the ER, his heart had already stopped twice. They tried everything. But we lost him. Later, we found out he had an underlying hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — a condition that could have been picked up with a simple scan. But no one ever told him to get checked... let this post not be a tribute. Let it be prevention. One post. One guide. One action. One share can literally save a life,' he added. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Starting gym? Cardiologist recommends five tests to reduce the risk of heart attack in young adults
In recent years, gyms have become more than just places to build muscle; they've become potential hotspots for sudden cardiac events. With heart attacks during workouts making headlines more frequently, doctors are urging fitness enthusiasts to take precautionary health screenings seriously, especially before beginning or intensifying a workout routine. Why Heart Attacks Happen During Exercise Heavy and strenuous workouts can cause a sharp spike in blood pressure if not approached gradually and correctly. Increased blood pressure during a tough gym session is natural, but if someone already has a weak heart or blocked arteries, this spike can be dangerous. Undiagnosed conditions like coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy often go unnoticed until triggered by physical exertion. Lifestyle habits such as smoking, poor diet, or unmanaged diabetes compound the risk, even in younger individuals What the doctor says Dr. Obaidur Rahman, an Orthopedic and Sports Surgeon (MS, RML), recently shared a tragic case that underscores the importance of preventive screening. One morning, a man collapsed on a treadmill after a regular cardio session. By the time he reached the emergency room, his heart had already stopped twice. Despite all efforts, he couldn't be revived. Postmortem findings revealed he had Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. It's a silent condition that can be easily detected through a simple scan, and if caught early, lives can be saved. 5 essential tests for gym-goers If you're over 30, have a family history of heart disease, or are beginning a new fitness regime, these tests are not optional; they are critical. ECG (Electrocardiogram) A basic but powerful test, the ECG records the heart's electrical signals. It can detect abnormalities like arrhythmias and help predict the risk of sudden heart failure. It's painless, quick, and a good baseline test for anyone starting workouts. 2D Echo (Echocardiography) This ultrasound scan provides live images of the heart, assessing its structure and function. It helps spot conditions like HCM, valve disorders, and other heart defects that might otherwise go unnoticed. TMT (Treadmill Test or Stress Test) This test evaluates how your heart performs under physical stress. You'll be asked to walk or run on a treadmill while your heart activity is monitored. It's especially useful in revealing blocked arteries or poor blood flow that only shows up during exertion. Troponin and NT-proBNP These blood tests check for early signs of cardiac strain or injury. Elevated levels could indicate silent heart damage or stress that may not yet be showing symptoms. hs-CRP and ESR(Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Inflammation plays a key role in cardiovascular disease. While ESR measures general inflammation, hs-CRP is more specific to heart-related inflammation. High readings could signal higher risk for heart issues in the future. Lipid Profile + HbA1c These tests check cholesterol and long-term blood sugar levels. Elevated cholesterol and uncontrolled diabetes are two major contributors to heart disease and stroke. Early detection allows for dietary and medical intervention. 'These tests are not a luxury.' Many people assume these are 'extra' or advanced screenings meant only for the elderly or elite athletes. But as Dr. Rahman stresses, 'These are life-saving tests. Especially if you're over 30, push yourself hard in the gym, or have a family history—please, get checked first.'
