Undiagnosed cardiac problems can cause sudden cardiac arrest in otherwise healthy people. Therefore, specialists advise that specific medical tests be performed to determine the health status prior to beginning any gym or exercise regimen. You may determine whether the body is prepared for physical activity by doing this, according to Dr. Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant in internal medicine at Gleneagles Hospital in Parel, Mumbai.
These medical tests can help identify underlying heart conditions that might otherwise go undetected until they become life-threatening, especially for people over 30, those with a family history of heart disease, and those beginning or returning to intense physical activity like gym workouts, according to Dr. Narander Singla, lead consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.
Here are the five tests that need to be performed, broken down and explained.
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
The electrical activity of the heart is recorded by an ECG, which can be used to identify conduction blockages, arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), or indications of previous silent heart attacks. “It offers a good baseline for identifying abnormalities in heart rhythm or conduction that may become dangerous during strenuous activity, even though it is not definitive on its own,” Dr. Singla added.
2. Echocardiography in two dimensions
Physicians can see the anatomy and function of the heart using this non-invasive ultrasound. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a thickening of the heart muscle that frequently goes undetected and can cause abrupt cardiac arrest after vigorous physical exercise, is one condition that it is particularly useful in detecting. Additionally, it aids in evaluating chamber sizes, valve function, and the heart’s overall pumping capacity, according to Dr. Singla.
3. TMT (stress test or treadmill test)
Your heart’s performance under stress (exercise) is assessed by a TMT. It can assist in identifying problems that might not be noticeable at rest, such as arrhythmias brought on by activity or restricted heart blood flow. Because it replicates physical stress in a controlled environment, this is particularly helpful for persons who intend to engage in weight training or high-intensity workouts, according to Dr. Singla.
4. NT and Troponin are cardiac indicators.-proBNP
These blood tests identify mild cardiac muscle injury or stress. Whereas NT-proBNP signifies tension or straining of the heart walls, high-sensitivity troponin is a marker for silent myocardial damage. Even in the absence of symptoms, elevated levels may be a precursor to cardiovascular disease, according to Dr. Singla.
5. Inflammatory markers, such as Hs-CRP and ESR
Systemic inflammation, a contributing factor to atherosclerosis (plaque accumulation in arteries), can be identified with the aid of these indicators. Even in those with normal cholesterol, elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
6. HbA1c plus Lipid Profile (Metabolic Health Tests)
Triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which are closely related to cardiovascular risk, are assessed via a lipid profile. According to Dr. Singla, HbA1c provides an overview of your typical blood sugar levels over the previous three months and aids in the detection of diabetes or prediabetes, two diseases that greatly raise the risk of heart disease. According to Dr. Singla, they work together to evaluate metabolic syndrome, which raises the risk of heart attacks but is frequently silent.
Additionally, according to Dr. Agarwal, a vitamin D and B12 test helps determine whether any deficits could impact muscle function, bone strength, and vitality. “Gym-goers should take these examinations as soon as possible and without fail. Only begin an exercise regimen after receiving approval from the specialist and being informed of the test results. Pay attention to your general health,” Dr. Agarwal advised.
These issues can be revealed by extreme physical stress, particularly in those who may have underlying health issues or have not exercised in years. According to Dr. Agarwal, these medical tests are “not luxury options,” but rather preventive screenings that have the potential to save lives. According to Dr. Agarwal, “they provide an opportunity to identify conditions such as silent heart strain, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, or HCM before a fatal event occurs.”
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
