Intense exercise increases the risk of overtraining syndrome.
Regular exercise or physical activity is considered the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle.
Many people are grappling with severe diseases due to poor lifestyles. Amid this, exercise plays an important role in maintaining good health. Doctors recommend regular exercise for both cardiovascular and mental health. Most people include exercise in their daily routine to maintain fitness. Exercise is considered beneficial for overall health; but excessive exercise can adversely affect heart health. Balanced exercise is very necessary to keep the heart functioning. Dr Santosh Kumar Dora, Senior Cardiologist of Asian Heart Institute in Mumbai, guided about the problems that can occur due to intense exercise. Regular exercise or physical activity is considered the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Due to this, mental health along with heart and blood vessels is good, and it also increases the lifespan. Although it is beneficial to do moderate exercise every day, it is important to know what kind of exercise should be done considering the health of the heart. When the body is exercised beyond its physical capacity without adequate rest, the risk of heart and blood vessel disease increases. These include myocardial damage and cardiac arrhythmias.
Intense exercise increases the risk of overtraining syndrome. When a person exceeds their body’s ability to recover from the stress of exercise, they experience chronic fatigue and impaired performance, known as overtraining syndrome. Intense exercise can disrupt the heart’s electrical system. As a result, the heartbeat may become abnormal. Although this type is mild and self-limiting, it can lead to serious problems such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
If there is a family history of heart disease or arrhythmia, such individuals should consult with a healthcare provider to determine safe exercise parameters for themselves and minimise potential risks. Safe exercise is essential to reap the benefits of exercise and maintain good heart health. For this, the following things are important to keep in mind.
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Increase the intensity of exercise gradually: Do not increase the intensity of exercise suddenly. Instead, gradually increase the intensity of the exercise. This will allow the body to adapt to the exercise and avoid the dangers of overexertion.
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Listen to your body: Look out for problems with intense exercise such as persistent fatigue, loss of performance, or elevated resting heart rate. If you are experiencing these symptoms, rest and give yourself plenty of time to recover.
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Plan your exercise and rest days: If you exercise excessively, give your body enough time to rest. Adequate rest is essential for muscle, hormone balance, and overall cardiovascular health.
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Maintain a balanced exercise routine: Include different types of exercise in your routine. Combine cardiovascular activity with strength training, muscle flexibility exercises, and light exercise to reduce stress on the heart and joints.
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Stay hydrated: Adequate hydration is essential for the proper functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise to maintain adequate fluid balance.
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Watch for warning signs: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness during or after exercise. Do not ignore these symptoms. Although vigorous exercise is said to be beneficial for health, it is important to be aware of its potential risks to the heart. It is important to consult a specialist healthcare provider before starting or making any changes to exercise.