Zarafshan ShirazNew Delhi
In our pursuit of fitness and health, we often hear the phrase “exercise is good for the heart,” and while this is definitely true, there’s a lesser-known side to the story that’s worth noting. That said, excessive exercise can potentially cause a heart attack. . Recent years have seen the rise of the fitness industry around the world, promoting rigorous exercise routines and pushing individuals to their limits.
Dr Abhijit Bors, a senior interventional cardiologist at the Asian Heart Institute in Mumbai, said in an interview with HT Lifestyle, “Exercise definitely lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of obesity, improves cholesterol levels and strengthens the heart muscle. While important for cardiovascular health, balance is just as important. Exercising too much, also known as “overexertion,” does not give your body enough time to rest and recover. This occurs when you continue to exercise vigorously for a long period of time. Behind these harsh exercise habits, achieving peak physical fitness can often inadvertently lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks. ”
“The main concern with overexertion is the strain on the heart. During intense exercise, the heart pumps more blood to provide oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. This is a normal response to exercise, and the heart “It will help improve your condition,” he warned. However, extreme exercise can overwork and fatigue your heart, increasing your risk of adverse cardiac events. One common condition associated with excessive exercise is known as “athlete’s heart” or “exercise-induced cardiac remodeling.” In people who constantly push their bodies to the limit, structural changes occur in the heart to accommodate the increased demand for blood flow. These adaptations are generally benign in well-trained athletes, but can be problematic for those who exercise excessively without proper coaching and guidance. recovery. “
Dr. Abhijit Bors pointed out the potential risks of overexercising:
- Increased heart rate: Excessive exercise can cause a sustained increase in heart rate, which can weaken the heart muscle over time and reduce its ability to pump effectively.
- Irregular heart rhythm: Intense exercise without adequate recovery can cause abnormal heart rhythms, such as arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation), which can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke.
- Heart disease: Excessive exercise can contribute to the development of heart disease, especially in people with existing risk factors.
- Decreased immunity: Overtraining can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and indirectly affecting your heart health.
The key, he says, is to find a balance that suits your personal fitness level and goals, and do it in moderation. Dr. Abhijit Bors suggested some important tips to keep your heart safe.
- Listen to your body: Watch for signs of fatigue, aches, and excessive pain. These are signs that your body needs rest.
- Try changing your exercise habits: Combining aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility training to prevent overuse injuries and reduce the risk of overexertion.
- Please consider rest days: Incorporate regular rest days into your fitness routine to give your body time to recover and repair.
- Talk to an expert: Consider working with a certified trainer or doctor who can help you create a balanced exercise plan tailored to your needs.
Remember, a healthy heart isn’t just about the amount of exercise you do, it’s also about the quality and consistency of your fitness routine.
