4 days ago
As sudden cardiac arrests become common in young people, experts urge the need for these medical tests before starting gym
Sudden cardiac arrest in seemingly fit individuals often results from undiagnosed heart conditions. Hence, before starting any gym or workout routine, experts recommend that certain tests be done to understand the health status. Doing so will also help you to understand if the body is ready for physical exertion, said Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai.
Particularly for individuals over 30, those with a family history of heart disease, or people who are just starting, or restarting, intensive physical activity like gym workouts, these tests can help to detect underlying heart conditions that may otherwise go unnoticed until they become life-threatening, said Dr Narander Singla, lead consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.
Here's a breakdown and explanation of five tests that should be done
1. ECG (Electrocardiogram)
An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and helps detect arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), conduction blocks, or signs of prior silent heart attacks. 'While not definitive alone, it provides a good baseline for identifying abnormalities in heart rhythm or conduction that may become dangerous during strenuous activity,' said Dr Singla.
2. 2D Echo (Echocardiography)
This is a non-invasive ultrasound of the heart that allows doctors to visualise the heart's structure and function. 'It is especially helpful in identifying conditions like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a thickening of the heart muscle that often goes undiagnosed and can lead to sudden cardiac arrest during intense physical exertion. It also helps assess valve function, chamber sizes, and overall heart pumping ability,' said Dr Singla.
3. TMT (Treadmill Test or Stress Test)
A TMT evaluates how your heart performs under stress (exercise). It can help reveal issues like exercise-induced arrhythmias or restricted blood flow to the heart (which may not be evident at rest). 'This is especially useful for people who plan to do high-intensity workouts or weight training, as it simulates physical stress in a controlled setting,' said Dr Singla.
4. Cardiac biomarkers – Troponin & NT-proBNP
These blood tests detect subtle damage or stress to the heart muscle. 'High-sensitivity troponin is a marker for silent myocardial injury, while NT-proBNP indicates stress or stretching of the heart walls. Elevated levels, even without symptoms, can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease,' said Dr Singla.
5. Hs-CRP and ESR (Inflammatory Markers)
These markers can help detect systemic inflammation, which is a contributing factor in atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries). High levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, even in people with normal cholesterol.
6. Lipid Profile + HbA1c (Metabolic Health Tests)
A lipid profile evaluates cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are directly linked to cardiovascular risk. Dr Singla explained that HbA1c gives a picture of your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months and helps detect prediabetes or diabetes, conditions that increase heart disease risk significantly. Together, they help assess metabolic syndrome, which is often silent but increases cardiac risk, said Dr Singla.
Moreover, a vitamin D and B12 test helps to check if any deficiencies could affect energy, bone strength, and muscle function, said Dr Agarwal. 'These tests should be taken by the gym-goers without fail on a priority basis. Initiate any workout routine only after you get a go-ahead from the expert, after knowing the test results. Be attentive when it comes to your overall well-being,' said Dr Agarwal.
Intense physical stress can unmask these problems, especially in people who may not have exercised in years or have underlying risks. Dr Agarwal noted that these tests are 'not luxury options', they are preventive screenings that could literally save lives. 'They offer a chance to catch conditions like HCM, arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, or silent heart strain before a fatal event occurs,' said Dr Agarwal.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
