Guwahati: A viral video of Nagaon doctor Sahin Rahman collapsing at a gym has raised an unavoidable concern – can someone who is visibly healthy and works out be susceptible to cardiac risk?“One possible explanation is a cardiac event, which could include a heart attack or an episode of threatened ischaemia. The underlying cause may be coronary artery disease (CAD), in which plaque gradually builds up in the arteries supplying blood to the heart and can remain undetected for years,” said Pranab Jyoti Bhattacharyya, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) professor of cardiology.He said a person may collapse if a cholesterol plaque in a coronary artery becomes unstable and ruptures. Even a 20–30% blockage, which may not restrict blood flow, can become dangerous if it triggers a clot and an acute heart attack.“Intense exercise may, in people, contribute to plaque rupture. Some people who regularly go to gyms may also use high-protein supplements or performance-enhancing anabolic steroids, which can have cardiovascular effects and potentially increase risk. Other factors such as uncontrolled high blood pressure can further compound the danger,” he added.Bhattacharyya advised Indians aged 25 to 30 and above to undergo checks, including blood pressure, blood sugar, lipid profile and thyroid tests. Those with diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking habits or low physical activity may need targeted evaluation.“For high-risk patients, they can selectively undergo a CT scan for coronary artery calcium scoring. The calcium score can help predict the risk of future heart attacks. Other routine tests, along with blood tests, should also be done, such as an ECG and an echocardiogram,” he added.Cardiologist Rituparna Baruah said cardiovascular health requires regular check-ups, a balanced diet and exercise, not gym workouts alone. Gyms should have pre-exercise checklists, trained CPR staff and an automated external defibrillator (AED).“CPR is something that every common person should have basic knowledge of, because in a cardiac arrest, the first few minutes are extremely critical. Timely CPR and early defibrillation can significantly improve a person’s chances of survival,” Baruah added.
