Collapsing before finishing line

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The tragic death of former national volleyball team captain K. Udayakumar has brought into focus the risk faced by veteran athletes who are also believed to be five times more at risk of developing cardiac problems.

A few years ago, the state was jolted by the death of two outstanding athletes. Murali Kuttan who represented the country in various international track and field events died of massive heart attack on December 19, 2010. A year later Olympian Suresh Babu who dominated track and field events between 1972 and 1979, died of a heart attack during the National Games in Ranchi in 2011.

Experts say such high performance athletes, over a period of time, develop cardiac problems like thickening of heart muscles. The natural rhythm of the heart beat in such cases either stops abruptly or becomes feeble. In many cases it becomes fast and erratic resulting in less or even no pumping input.

These problems known as Arrhythemogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy are not uncommon among former athletes.

Noted cardiologist Dr G. Vijayaraghavan says there have been many instances of  long distance runners and soccer players collapsing on the field with some even meeting a tragic end because of cardiac problems.

According to Dr George Mathews, medical officer, SAI LNCPE, many former athletes suffer from pain in the knee, ankle and lower back.

“It is sad to see some of these athletes not walking but literally hobbling around. Such excruciating joint pain restricts their physical activity to a great degree resulting in obesity which ultimately ends up in cardiac issues,’’ he said.

In many instances, people adopt a very aggressive approach towards exercise and they overdo it. This results in rapid increase in the blood pressure levels which destabilises the inner lining of the left ventricle and there is sudden restriction or obstruction in blood which could even turn fatal at times.

“There are two mechanisms that need to be studied in high performance athletes. Instability of heart rhythm and destabilisation of the inner layer of heart blood tubes because of rapid rise in blood pressure,’’ Dr Vijayaraghavan said.

“During my career I have seen many people who after acquiring a new treadmill go on and on running to attain higher speed. They collapse and even have heart attacks. One should never compete with the treadmill. Keep a comfortable speed, cool down at regular intervals,’’ he added.

Experts say one should watch out for warning signs like dizzy spells during exercise and family history of sudden deaths.

Most athletes during their active years, are used to a diet which is too rich in proteins and fats. Though many of them cut down their high impact exercise after retirement, there is not much change in their food habits which causes many health issues.  Genetic predisposition is also a major factor which pushes athletes into the high risk group.

“I strongly suggest low impact exercise for veteran athletes. Cycling and swimming are the best options since walking or running may not be comfortable for those with pain in the joints,’’ Dr George Mathews said.

Experts say among the young athletes, uncontrolled drug abuse and use of performance enhancing drugs have also resulted in long term health problems. They point out that many athletes enter sports arena at a very young age and peak in their careers quite early on. “Many athletes care a hoot about the consequences of using drugs. Since stakes are very high, they push themselves to the limit”,  said an official.