Is too much gym affecting your heart? Cardiologist shares warning signs, prevention tips
From chest pain to dizziness and cold sweats, know the early warning signs that the heart might be exerting too much pressure.
Everyone likes to be motivated in the gym and push themselves further to achieve their desired body and fitness. But when we do it too much, we can risk affecting heart health. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Nimit C Shah, consultant interventional cardiologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai said, “Pushing yourself at the gym can be thrilling, but don't overlook the fact that aching from exercising is not necessarily a sign of becoming stronger, it could be a message from your heart.” Also read | Scientifically Speaking: Why morning heart attacks are more dangerous
Warning signs to know:
The cardiologist explained that too much of workout combined with insufficient relaxation can create an imbalance and can lead to serious health issues. Here are the signs that the heart might be exerting too much effort in exercising:
Chest pain: A feeling of tightness, pressure, or burning could indicate a heart ailment.
Shortness of breath: Excessive effort to breathe, often in addition to dizziness, may be a warning of an underlying heart issue.
Strange fatigue: Unusual tiredness after minimal activity can signify cardiovascular disorders.
Irregular heartbeat: Irregular heartbeat while exercising that's too rapid, too slow, or not rhythmic can signal that something's wrong.
Dizziness: Feeling dizzy or unconnected during exercise may suggest that your heart is struggling to get enough blood through.
Cold sweats: Excess sweating or having cold sweats at rest may also be an early warning signal. Also read | Heart attack or just chest pain? Know crucial difference and best treatment option that could save your life
Avoiding cardiac risks during exercise: Prevention tips
- To exercise safely, start slowly and build up to higher intensity gradually. Pay attention to your body's pain and fatigue signals.
- Warm-ups and cool-downs are crucial to maintaining heart rates in check.
- Proper hydration is also necessary because dehydration can enhance heart strain.
- For those at highest risk, monitoring of heart rate will keep exercise intensity below safe ranges.
- For those at lesser risk, regular medical examinations, such as stress tests, can detect potential heart issues before they arise. Also read | Myocardial infarction or heart attack: Causes, recognising signs and symptoms, treatment and prevention tips
- Find a balanced approach that allows you without compromising well-being.
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.
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