NIGERIA: Cardiologists Warn Against Hidden Health Risks In Workouts

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

With the rising cases of sudden deaths during workouts, medical experts have advised individuals to seek professional health assessments before engaging in strenuous exercise to prevent cardiac complications.

Dr. Rahman Moronkola, a consultant cardiologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, and Dr. Tony Busari, a cardiologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, attributed these incidents to underlying heart conditions that may be aggravated by intense physical activity.

The experts during interviews with the media on Saturday in Lagos emphasized the need for medical supervision before engaging in exercise.

They explained that sudden deaths during workouts are often linked to undiagnosed heart issues such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (abnormal heart muscle thickening), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (irregular heart rhythms), and long QT syndrome, a disorder affecting the heart’s electrical signals.

Dr. Moronkola stressed that exercise, like medication, should be prescribed based on an individual’s health condition, age, and fitness level.

He warned that excessive exercise could be harmful, even for healthy individuals, citing cases where professional athletes have collapsed and died during training or competitive sports.

He advised that people should monitor their exhaustion levels and avoid pushing themselves beyond safe limits.

“The ideal thing is that before people engage in exercise, it should be prescribed.

“A doctor will examine you, conduct tests, and determine the extent of exercise that is safe for you.

“Moderate activities like brisk walking for 45-60 minutes, three to four times a week, are sufficient for heart health,” he stated.

Similarly, Dr. Busari highlighted that individuals with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease must exercise caution.

He warned that while physical activity can improve health, it can also trigger cardiac complications if not done correctly.

“For people with underlying medical conditions, exercise can be a double-edged sword. While it helps in managing their condition, it can also become dangerous if done without proper guidance,” he said.

He urged people with a family history of heart disease, older adults, and pregnant women to undergo medical evaluations before starting an exercise routine.

Dr. Busari also advised individuals to stop exercising immediately if they experience symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

The cardiologists concluded that routine health checks are crucial in preventing exercise-induced fatalities, urging the public to view medical assessments as a necessary precaution rather than an optional step in their fitness journey.