New Delhi: For decades, physical fitness has been celebrated as the ultimate shield against disease related to the heart. Exercises reduce cholesterol, improve the circulation of blood, strengthen the health of heart, also help manage the weight of body. Recently, shocking news of young athletes and fitness enthusiasts collapsing during training or competition has also raised questions about how people who are seemingly he healthiest among us still face sudden cardiac events.
On World Heart Day, Dr. Sanjeev Aggarwal, Director, Cardiac Sciences, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, decoded the fit myth and explained why heart disease risks are high among athletes, too.
Fitness Is Protective, But Not Absolute
Being active physically reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems. However, it does not make an individual completely immune. The misconception mainly arises from the assumption that a lean physique, high stamina, and athletic strength equal perfect heart health. The heart is also influenced by a complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle, underlying conditions, and sometimes even the excessive training itself. A healthy appearance may also mask silent issues brewing beneath the surface.
Genetic and Structural Heart Conditions
One of the main reasons that athletes are vulnerable is the presence of undiagnosed congenital or genetic heart disorders. Conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart muscle), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (a condition affecting heart rhythm), or congenital abnormalities in coronary arteries are often ignored until they trigger a massive event. For many, these conditions usually remain silent during the time of normal activities, but can also become dangerous when the heart is pushed to its limits during intense exertion.
Overexertion and the “Too Much Exercise” Factor
Modern-day exercises are usually heart-friendly; extreme or excessive levels of training can put strain on the cardiovascular system. For instance, endurance athletes may experience the scarring of the heart tissue over the years of relentless training. This scarring can also disrupt the normal electrical activities, leading to arrhythmias. Intense workouts also increase blood pressure and demand for oxygen in the body, which in individuals with hidden vulnerabilities could also trigger cardiac arrest.
Lifestyle Habits Behind the Fitness Image
It is also important to remember that not all athletes or fitness enthusiasts live a perfect, healthy lifestyle. Some may use performance-enhancing substances, supplements, or stimulants, which can stress the heart. Others might ignore rest, early symptoms, or overtrain without giving their body time to recover. These choices often get hidden behind peak fitness, which can increase the cardiac risk.
Silent Warning Signs Often Overlooked
Another major problem is the tendency of athletes to downplay symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, or dizziness, attributing them to fatigue or workout strain. This denial causes a delay in timely diagnosis and treatment. In reality, even minor signals should not be ignored, especially in individuals who have a family history of heart disease or sudden cardiac death as well.
The takeaway is not to fear exercise but to understand the importance of balance and vigilance. Regular screening of the heart, particularly for those individuals who are engaged in high-intensity training that can detect hidden risk early. Awareness programs, pre-participation medical check, and access to defibrillators in gyms and sporting venues are some good techniques or methods for the same
Fitness is a very powerful ally against heart disease, but it cannot erase every risk. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts should always remember that true health goes beyond strength, which is visible. The heart, though resilient, requires care, attention, and respect even from those who seem fit.