Like in the recent times the rate of sudden collapses in the gym leading to heart failure has increased amongst celebrities and those who abuse protein supplements and performance enhancing steroids on cardiac health has been linked with acute myocardial infarction and fatal ventricular arrhythmias

It is well known that being physically active and exercising regularly imparts positive benefits to our body and reduces the risk of diseases. Engaging in a fitness routine not only improves our physical health but also mental stability. 

Having said that, it must be understood that too much of anything can be bad. Let’s understand the effects on our body with exercise. 

What happens to our bodies when we exercise at the gym? 

When we exercise, our body releases chemicals called “endorphins”  that interact with receptors in our brain and reduce pain perception. Also exercising spikes the heart rate and increases lung capacity. 

How much exercise is too much?

An average human can engage in moderate-intensity exercise for about 40-60 minutes daily. However, this can change based on the body type, age and other associated factors. Athletes with professional fitness coaches train for around 150 mins every. However, according to a study published, extreme exercise may increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death. 

What is the relationship between extreme exercise and cardiac arrest? 

Sudden cardiac death during strenuous physical activity occurs more often in cases where blockages are undiagnosed, and sometimes in the background of a known diagnosis. Extreme exercising and pushing your body too much increases the level of inflammatory biomarkers in the blood that are associated with cardiac issues. This leads to thickening of the heart walls and scarring of the heart thereby changing the normal anatomy of the cardiac muscles. Moreover, several studies conducted reveal that high-intensity workouts and overexertion may cause plaque rupture or trigger electrical disturbances in the heart leading to cardiac arrest or increase the risk of developing an acute cardiac problem. 

How to prevent overexertion during exercising?

Assess how you feel physically and emotionally after exercising. 

  • If you feel sore and can barely move the next day, you probably exercised too much. 
  • Take small breaks in between workouts and do not push your body to the extent of injuring yourself. Give your body enough time to recover and repair. 
  • If you are a beginner or a pro do not overdo exercising. 
  • Design a workout that uses different muscles and has different intensities on different days of the week. 
  • To avoid injury, make sure you don’t do the same workouts over and over again. In case of complications consult your doctor.

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