KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 11 – As we step into the new year, one of the most common resolutions is that of losing weight, or kick-starting a healthier and more active lifestyle.
However, amidst the excitement of new beginnings and the motivation to exercise more, there lies a common misconception that physical fitness equates to heart health.
The adrenaline-fuelled pursuits of athletes often inspire many of us to push our limits. However, behind the façade of peak physical performance lies a hidden risk — the potential for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) or sudden cardiac death (SCD) to happen.
In the wake of the recent shocking cardiac arrest experienced by 29-year-old English Premier League player Tom Lockyer, perplexity surrounds the notion of professional athletes, whose lives are intricately entwined with exercise, succumbing to heart failure.
These instances challenge the traditional belief that athletic excellence inherently ensures heart health, prompting a deeper exploration of the intricate dynamics between intense training regimes and cardiovascular wellbeing.
Understanding Arrhythmias And Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD)
Arrhythmias, characterised by abnormal heart rhythms, can present as the heart beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly.
According to Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) consultant cardiologist and internal medicine physician Dr Tee Chee Hian, “Arrhythmias can disrupt the heart’s coordinated contraction and relaxation, potentially leading to serious complications, including sudden cardiac death (SCD).”
Arrhythmias can trigger SCD by compromising the heart’s pumping function, leading to a rapid decline in blood flow, causing hemodynamic instability, reducing oxygen supply to organs, and in severe cases, inducing ventricular fibrillation, which can result in unconsciousness, and if untreated, sudden cardiac death.
Risk Factors, Symptoms, And Age Groups Prone To Arrhythmias
Recognising the risk factors associated with arrhythmias is paramount, encompassing an understanding of their symptoms and awareness of age groups more susceptible to these conditions.
A common yet distinctive sensation often reported is the feeling of the heart “skipping a beat”. Dr Tee further elaborates, stating, “Arrhythmias can manifest through palpitations, dizziness, fainting, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and fatigue.”
While arrhythmias can impact individuals of any age, the risk factors vary across different age groups, influenced by factors such as ageing, heart disease, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle choices.
Key contributors to the risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death include heart disease, a history of heart attacks, specific medications, genetic factors, and lifestyle choices such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Therefore, Dr Tee underscores the significance of regular check-ups and the prompt treatment of underlying heart conditions to mitigate potential complications.
Most notably, arrhythmias can have an inherited component, and in some cases of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) have been linked to excessive exercise, particularly in athletes.
Exercise And Its Impact On Arrhythmias And SCA
While endorsing resolutions for a more active lifestyle, Dr Tee advises caution, stating, “Excessive or intense exercise, especially for those unaccustomed or with pre-existing heart conditions, can increase the risk of arrhythmias and, in severe cases, SCA.”
He encourages individuals to be mindful of their health, consult health care professionals, and pay attention to the various symptoms. Warning signs that could indicate excessive exercise include physical and performance-related indicators like persistent fatigue, frequent illnesses, changes in sleep patterns and performance plateau or decline, as well as psychological and physiological signs such as mood disturbances, menstrual irregularities, and changes in heart rate.
Additionally, recognising individual limits is crucial. For instance, individuals dealing with weight issues are advised to start their fitness journey gradually, choose low-impact activities, and stay vigilant for symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations. This precautionary approach ensures one doesn’t overexert themselves unknowingly.
Lastly, Dr Tee underscores the significance of well-rounded exercise routines, adequate rest, proper nutrition, and sufficient recovery for fostering a healthy approach to physical activity.
Fortifying Heart Health: Diagnostics, Monitoring And Intervention Strategies
To fortify heart health, a range of diagnostic methods is available for identifying and understanding arrhythmias. Essential among these is the Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), a widely used tool recording the heart’s electrical activity, adept at detecting abnormal rhythms.
Portable variations like Holter monitors are also available, offering extended monitoring that enables the ability to capture intermittent arrhythmias that are not evident in standard ECGs.
Dr Tee stresses the significance of knowing and monitoring your normal heart rate before and during exercise even when you don’t witness symptoms, as this aids in the early identification of potential issues.
Therefore, the importance of consulting healthcare professionals is crucial as they can tailor interventions based on individualised diagnostic approaches, ensuring an accurate diagnosis for optimal heart health.
However, in the event of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), besides calling for emergency assistance, immediate first-aid measures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can make or break a situation. Dr Tee emphasises the importance of equipping oneself with basic CPR skills, highlighting its potential to significantly improve survival chances while waiting for professional help.
By integrating these intervention strategies, individuals contribute to a well-informed community committed to cardiovascular well-being.
In conclusion, SMCV encourages everyone to prioritise heart health in their new year’s resolutions.
By understanding arrhythmias, recognising risk factors, and making informed choices about exercise, individuals can take significant steps toward a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Let’s collectively work towards building a community that is well-informed, proactive, and committed to cardiovascular well-being.
