Get these heart tests done before hitting the gym: Dr Devi Shetty

Many young and fit-looking people may have hidden heart disease without knowing it. Cardiac surgeon Dr. Devi Shetty explains why getting screened before intense exercise could help prevent sudden cardiac arrest.

In Short

• Hidden heart conditions can affect even active people in their twenties
• Shetty listed blood tests, ECG, 2D Echo and CT angiogram
• He said Indians face earlier cardiac risk from genetic and lifestyle factors

The growing number of sudden heart attacks among young Indians has raised serious concerns about fitness and heart health. Several cases of people collapsing while exercising, running or playing sports have sparked an important question: should everyone undergo heart screening before starting intense workouts?

According to renowned cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty, the answer is yes, especially for people planning high-intensity exercise. He says looking healthy or being physically active does not always mean your heart is healthy. Many people, including those in their 20s, may have hidden heart conditions without experiencing any symptoms.

THESE ARE THE HEART TESTS DR. SHETTY RECOMMENDS

Dr Shetty advises people planning vigorous workouts or extreme sports—where the heart rate may rise above 150 beats per minute—to undergo a few basic tests before pushing their limits.

The recommended tests include:

• Blood tests, especially a lipid profile to check cholesterol
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram (2D Echo)
• CT Coronary Angiogram (CT scan of the heart)

"If these tests are normal, you can safely push your heart much harder during exercise," he said, adding that very few people actually get screened before beginning intense fitness routines.

EVEN YOUNG ADULTS SHOULD NOT IGNORE HEART SCREENING

Heart disease is often considered a problem of old age, but Dr. Shetty says that assumption can be dangerous. He believes even healthy people in their 20s should consider heart screening before taking up intense sports or gym training.

He pointed to reports of hundreds of professional footballers suffering cardiac arrest during training in recent years. If world-class athletes can have hidden heart conditions, ordinary fitness enthusiasts should not assume they are immune.

WHY INDIANS ARE AT GREATER RISK

According to Dr. Shetty, Indians are genetically more vulnerable to heart disease and often develop it at a younger age. High rates of diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyles and carbohydrate-rich diets are among the reasons.

He also highlighted a worrying trend from his own practice: "Earlier, sons brought their elderly fathers for heart surgery. Today, I often see fathers bringing their young sons for bypass surgery."

Another concern is that heart disease often develops silently. Nearly half of patients requiring heart surgery never experienced warning symptoms. Diabetics are especially at risk because they may not feel typical heart pain during a heart attack.

CT SCAN OVER TREADMILL TEST, AND DON'T IGNORE WARNING SIGNS

Dr Shetty believes a CT Coronary Angiogram is more effective than a treadmill test (TMT) because it can detect blockages at a much earlier stage. He also reassured people that modern CT scans expose patients to very low radiation and, if the results are normal, the test usually does not need to be repeated for seven to ten years. He recommends every Indian undergo the scan at least once between the ages of 35 and 40, or even earlier if they have diabetes or a strong family history of heart disease.

He also warned people never to ignore discomfort above the waist during exercise. Chest pain, shoulder pain, throat pain, upper back pain or unusual discomfort while exercising should always be treated as a possible heart problem until ruled out by a doctor.

Dr Shetty added that women are generally protected from heart disease until around the age of 45 due to female hormones, but their risk increases after menopause. While stress can contribute to heart attacks in people with existing heart disease, he believes regular screening, a healthy lifestyle and activities like yoga remain some of the best ways to protect long-term heart health.

- Ends