Sudden heart attacks in youth expose health check gaps

Health experts say intense exercise, combined with undiagnosed heart conditions, may be behind the rise in such cases. With heart disease remaining the leading cause of death in the country, the trend has renewed calls for pre-exercise health screening.

Published Apr 03, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 03, 2025 | 7:00 AM

Synopsis: A rise in sudden cardiac arrests among young fitness enthusiasts is raising concerns about gaps in pre-exercise health screening. Doctors say hidden heart conditions, intense workouts, and unregulated supplements are a dangerous mix, especially since most gyms still do not require mandatory medical checks.

In recent years, a growing number of young, seemingly healthy fitness enthusiasts have suffered sudden, and oftentimes fatal, heart attacks during or shortly after workouts.

Health experts say intense exercise, combined with undiagnosed heart conditions, may be behind the rise in such cases. With heart disease remaining the leading cause of death in the country, the trend has renewed calls for pre-exercise health screening.

“Pre-health testing is not just a formality; it helps trainers assess a person’s fitness level, medical history, and potential risks, ensuring workouts are safe and effective,” says Dr Praneeth S, a Cardiologist at Vasavi Hospitals, Bengaluru.

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The heart of the matter

Pre-health screening is a medical assessment carried out before engaging in strenuous physical activity.

These tests evaluate overall health – particularly heart function, blood pressure, and any underlying conditions that could affect performance or pose risks.

Dr Praneeth recommends screening for all major organs, including the heart, kidneys, brain, blood vessels, and muscles. Cardiac screening is especially important, he says, as heart-related events can be life-threatening.

Pre-health screenings are key to identifying underlying conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Undiagnosed heart disease, high blood pressure, and other issues can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks during intense physical exertion.

“Individuals of all ages and genders, especially the young, are at the risk of heart attacks,” says Dr Praneeth.

“High intensity exercises, especially if unaccustomed, can lead to sudden increases in heart rate and blood pressure, putting stress on the cardiovascular system.”

This can lead to clot formation, aortic dissection, or damage to the heart wall. To reduce such risks, he advises a thorough medical evaluation before beginning high-intensity workouts.

According to Dr Praneeth, early detection of asymptomatic lifestyle diseases is essential. “Early detection helps in preventing long term complications and ensure timely health intervention,” he says.

A Bengaluru-based fitness trainer that South First spoke to, agrees.

They say pre-health screening helps trainers understand members’ fitness levels and health backgrounds, allowing them to tailor exercise programmes more safely – while also giving attention to nutrition.

The trainer advised that members consult a doctor and keep track of their health before progressing to more intense workouts.

“Most often, the trainers do suggest their members get regular health checkups done, and the members do consult him for health checkups,” Dr Praneeth confirms.

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Safety protocols lag at top fitness centres

South First visited five popular gyms in Bengaluru – Cult Fit (Whitefield), Gold’s Gym (Whitefield), Barbell Cartel (Whitefield), Cyborg Fitness (Whitefield), and Iconic Fitness (Indiranagar).

While many facilities emphasise guided training and nutrition, only a few require formal medical screening before beginning exercise.

Cult Fit and Gold’s Gym recommend health checks for new members, including body mass index (BMI) measurements, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and blood pressure tests. However, these are not mandatory.

Divya, a 40-year-old architect and Cult Fit member since 2018, says: “Cult Fit does ask about the injuries and health condition of their members, and suggest medical checkups, but is not made mandatory.”

Barbell Cartel and Cyborg Fitness gyms do not conduct formal screenings but advise members to seek medical consultation.

Iconic Fitness stands out as the only gym among those visited that requires basic medical clearance before allowing high-intensity workouts.

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Wearables offer guidance, not diagnosis

Many fitness enthusiasts are increasing turning to smartwatches and wearable devices to track health metrics such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.

But Dr Praneeth warns that while helpful, these tools do not diagnose heart disease.

“Normal readings do not necessarily indicate the absence of disease, and minor fluctuations should not cause unnecessary panic,” he says.

For accurate assessments, medical tests such as ECGs or treadmill tests are needed. High-risk individuals may require more advanced investigations, like cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Pre-workout supplements can also impact heart health. Their composition varies, and overconsumption of certain proteins, fats, or minerals may not suit everyone.

“Being asymptomatic does not guarantee the absence of underlying conditions,” warns Dr Praneeth. He recommends consulting a dietitian or Cardiologist before using supplements to avoid health risks.

Similarly, lifestyle changes can help manage or even reverse many health issues.

“When you change your lifestyle, the health issues, and diseases as it is are controlled,” says Dr Praneeth.

He recommends stress management, a balanced diet, and a workout routine that includes both cardiovascular and strength training. Regulating salt and water intake – under medical guidance – is also important.

“These changes must be long term commitments rather than short term efforts to see significant health benefits,” he adds.

(Edited by Dese Gowda)