Assam doctor, 47, collapses at gym: Why sudden cardiac arrest happens during workout

A 47-year-old doctor from Assam's Nagaon Medical College and Hospital died suddenly while working out at a gym. His collapse highlighted how heart health is not guaranteed even in healthy-looking individuals. Dr Ranjan Shetty, a cardiologist, noted that sudden cardiac arrest can occur due to underlying conditions, stress, lack of sleep or dehydration.

Even seemingly fit people can have undiagnosed heart problems, and during intense exercise, the heart works harder and demands more oxygen, which can trigger a crisis in vulnerable people. The risk of heart disease increases in the 40s due to accumulated factors like cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco use, poor diet, stress, and family history.

Doctors, who should be role models for healthy living, can also suffer from chronic stress and sleep deprivation, which may contribute to cardiovascular risk. Sudden symptoms like breathlessness, chest pressure, fainting, dizziness, palpitations, or a decline in exercise tolerance during or after intense workouts should be taken seriously and warrant medical attention.

Early cardiovascular risk assessments, including tests like ECG, echocardiography, stress tests, or CT coronary scans, are recommended, especially for those over 35. Public spaces should also have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to quickly revive patients experiencing cardiac arrest.