World Heart Day: Can intense workout while you are angry affect heart attack risk?

New Delhi: September 29, every year, is globally observed as World Heart Day – a day coined to spread awareness about cardiovascular disease, its causes, and prevention techniques. In the past two years, a shocking rise in heart attack cases has been noted with middle-aged and young adults succumbing to cardiac crisis despite following a healthy lifestyle. This brought to light the need for following safe gym practices like regulating the number of hours spent at a gym breaking a sweat or reducing the intensity of exercise over time to not engaging in activities like smoking.

Amidst this, an important for heart attacks to light – most people decide to hit the gym when anxious or angry under the pretext of using the negative to their benefit. The aggression, they believe, can work as a motivation to engage in an intense workout session to burn more calories than usual and sometimes even regain composure. But is it wise? Turns out, it could be a mistake.

In an interaction with Times Now Digital, Dr. Jagadesh Madireddi, Consultant Cardiologist at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, intense workouts when one is angry can triple the risk of a heart attack.

“Running and exercising have always been considered excellent for the heart as it lowers the resting heart rate and decreases the risk of a heart attack. We run and exercise for many different reasons - some do it to stay fit, some to relieve their stress and some as it helps them feel invigorated. We run or head to the gym when we are happy, confused, sad or angry. The conception is that vigorous workouts can help clear the head and regain composure. However, intense workouts and running while angry triples the risk of a heart attack,” said the expert.

“Anger and heavy exertion lead to a rise in blood pressure and heart rate, changing the blood flow through blood vessels and reducing blood supply to the heart. Heavy exercise combined with anger causes blood vessels to narrow making it hard for the heart to get enough blood to function. Intense physical activity while in emotional distress should be avoided as it could result in the onset of heart attack symptoms during the first hour! Know the risk of heart attacks and take necessary precautions,” Dr Madireddi explained.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

A heart attack is when blood circulation to the heart gets disrupted due to a blockage in one of the arteries. It is important to keep an eye out for the early signs of the condition for timely treatment and to lower the death risk. The early signs of heart attack are:

1. Chest pain
2. Jaw pain
3. Shortness of breath
4. Lightheadedness
5. Back pain
6. Pain in the arms
7. Chest tightness
8. Anxiety
9. Abnormal heart rate

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.