Why Young Adults Are Collapsing During Workouts: Cardiologists Warn of Hidden Heart Risks
Why Young Adults Are Collapsing During Workouts: Cardiologists Warn of Hidden Heart Risks ( Representational Image )
Exercise is meant to boost fitness and health — but alarming reports show an increasing number of people in their 30s and 40s collapsing mid-workout, sometimes with fatal consequences. The culprit, experts say, isn’t the treadmill or gym equipment, but an invisible threat brewing inside the body.
Dr. Alok Chopra, a leading cardiologist and functional medicine expert, warns that metabolic dysfunction — not the act of exercising — is often to blame. In a viral Instagram post on August 1, he wrote:
“It’s not the treadmill triggering heart issues for the under-40s, it’s metabolic dysfunction.”
According to Dr. Chopra, many seemingly fit individuals are metabolically unfit due to factors like:
- Poor metabolic health
- Silent insulin resistance
- Chronic inflammation
- High stress levels
- Poor sleep and recovery
- Nutrient-deficient diets
These “silent enemies” weaken the heart over time, turning intense workouts into dangerous stress tests for the cardiovascular system. The collapse, he says, is merely the moment an existing problem surfaces.
Dr. Naveen Bhamri, another senior cardiologist, stresses the need for early screening before embarking on high-intensity training. Along with an ECG, he advises adding:
- TMT (Treadmill Test)
- Echocardiography (ECHO)
This combination can reveal hidden heart issues that a standard ECG might miss.
Both doctors emphasize that exercise isn’t the enemy — neglecting your health is. Staying truly fit means looking beyond outward appearance and ensuring your heart is ready for physical strain.
Bottom line: A sudden collapse at the gym is often the final warning sign of years of underlying issues. If you’re serious about fitness, get regular check-ups and strengthen your health from the inside out.
