Oct 8, 2023
Several videos go viral on X and Instagram where young people faint, fall and sometimes even lose their lives when running on treadmills or working out in the gym. This causes serious anxiety and worry among others who are thinking of doing the same.
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These infrequent occurrences of heart attacks or cardiac arrest observed during activities like running or exercise are typically linked to pre-existing heart conditions and undisclosed risk factors. Thus, it is important to take regular preventive health check-ups to identify and monitor these conditions.
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Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, Apollo hospital, Hyderabad explained on X (formerly Twitter) how these incidents can be avoided by taking certain tests and precautions. Here we list the 10 most important tests, recommended by him, that you should do before embarking on your fitness regime.
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Try to check your blood pressure at home using the common BP machine. Make sure your readings are below 130/80 mmHg before starting your fitness routine.
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Your blood sugar levels before a meal should be below 100 mg/dL to ensure that you are in a safe spot.
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The range of up to 5.6% is considered normal whereas anything above 6.5 comes under the diabetic category.
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This test requires a visit to the hospital. Dr. Sudhir Kumar writes, “Keep HDL>50, LDL<100, Triglycerides<150, and total cholesterol <200. Triglyceride/HDL ratio of 1 or lesser is considered very healthy. High TG:HDL, especially >3, indicates significant risk of heart attack and stroke.”
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ECG is useful in detecting abnormal heart rhythms. ECG levels can be tracked even with some smartwatches but it is better to pay the hospital a visit for a thorough checkup.
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Highly valuable in the identification of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a prevalent trigger of sudden cardiac arrest among young athletes, this test proves instrumental in its detection.
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Dr. Kumar says that “A level >15 may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.”
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Vitamin D deficiency is a frequent occurrence and is linked to an elevated risk of stress fractures, shin splints, and similar conditions. It is advised to get your Vit. D levels tested and have specified medications.
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Vitamin B12 deficiency is common, especially in vegetarians. The ideal range is 200 to 900 picograms per milliliter.
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Low haemoglobin that leads to anaemia, can reduce intensity and performance during the workout/training. It is advised to not perform HIIT if you are anaemic as it leads to shortness of breath, tiredness and excess weakness.
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Before starting a workout or running program make sure you consult with a fitness instructor and a medical professional to help design a training routine that fits your goals and your energy levels. It is also important to remain hydrated, eat a balanced meal and wear appropriate shoes and clothing to prevent any injuries.
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