Death of cop during workout in gym triggers ‘how safe’ debate on social media

HYDERABAD: The incident of a 30-year-old constable, Yamjala Dharam Vishal, who suffered a heart attack and died while working out in a gym at East Marredpally on Thursday night has raised a debate on whether a workout is good for one’s health or not.

Cardiologists are aware that post-Covid there has been a rise in cardiovascular ailments and heart attacks, including in the 25 to 45 years age-group

According to Dr Nageshwara Rao Koneti, senior cardiologist at Rainbow Heart Institute, “It is mostly due to the pathophysiology mechanism of the Coronavirus that is leading to the risk of thrombosis. There is a sharp rise in the multi inflammatory system in adults (MISA).”

He said that during a rigorous workout, arrhythmia (heart going into irregular beating) may result in the collapse and death of a person. Another medical reason is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, whereby blood supply from one ventricle to another is reduced.

“If a person has a mild blood vessel blockage, the blood supplied to the brain may get blocked during workouts. As a result,  blood vessels rupture and cause sudden deaths,” Dr Koneti said.

Prof. Vaddepalli Satyanarayana, dean, College of Physical Education, Osmania University, said, “Keeping sportspersons aside, the general public should see to it that there is no excess or sudden load during workouts, When the body is not able to take more strain, do not push it. Sleep and a balanced diet play major parts in one’s physical conditioning.”

Gym enthusiast Vikas Gupta said, “The lockdown has seen many people losing out on fitness levels. I find this even among those who work out in the gym where I go. Abuse of food supplements should be avoided.  Gyms should hire qualified trainers and those who know CPR and other first-aid techniques.”  

Recommendations:
Those taking up physical exercise or running must first go through cardiac assessment.

Heart associations mandate that everyone who crosses 40 years must go for complete body examinations including ECG and, if required, TMT

Abuse of the food supplements should be stopped

Gyms should hire qualified trainers

Excess or sudden load should not be given to the body

If the body is not allowing it, listen to the body, do not push.

The same holds true for activities in general life such as dancing at events, walking fast or doing other strenuous work.

Before joining sporting activity or gym, one should secure a physical fitness certificate after undergoing tests. This should be made mandatory. The staff should be equipped with basic trainings of CPR and First aid.

Dr Ravi Kumar, International conditioning trainer