Why can Garba trigger cardiac emergencies in seemingly healthy young people?

Long hours of vigorous Garba dancing can put unexpected stress on the heart, particularly in people with undiagnosed cardiac conditions. Doctors explain the hidden risks, warning signs to watch for and emergency measures Garba venues should have in place.

In Short

• Hours of continuous dancing can sharply raise heart rate and oxygen demand
• Sedentary participants may struggle with sudden high-intensity exertion during celebrations
• Dehydration, alcohol, smoking and cannabis can worsen cardiovascular stress significantly

As Navratri celebrations bring people together for hours of Garba dancing, concerns about heart health have become increasingly important. The energetic folk dance, which involves continuous movement, repetitive steps and sustained physical exertion, can be a demanding workout, particularly for people who do not exercise regularly.

While most healthy individuals can enjoy Garba without serious complications, sudden cardiac emergencies can occur in seemingly fit young people, especially when an underlying heart condition has gone undetected.

The risk is not necessarily linked to age or outward appearance. Some heart conditions may remain silent for years and show no obvious symptoms during everyday activities. However, a sudden increase in physical exertion can put additional pressure on the cardiovascular system and, in vulnerable individuals, trigger a serious event.

Long dancing sessions, inadequate hydration and the use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco and cannabis may further increase the risks. Understanding these factors, recognising early warning signs and ensuring that venues are prepared for medical emergencies can help people celebrate more safely.

WHY INTENSE GARBA DANCING CAN STRAIN THE HEART

Garba involves sustained physical activity, often continuing for several hours with limited breaks. During vigorous exercise, the heart beats faster to supply oxygenated blood to the muscles. Blood pressure and the body's demand for oxygen also increase.

For people who are not accustomed to regular exercise, moving suddenly into prolonged, high-intensity activity can place considerable demands on the cardiovascular system.

Dr Pavankumar P Rasalkar, Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Kanakapura Road, explains that cardiac emergencies may occur during Garba because the activity level is considerably higher than what many people experience during a typical day.

People who spend most of their time sitting at work or have an otherwise sedentary routine may not be physically prepared for hours of continuous dancing. Taking breaks and gradually building exercise tolerance can help reduce excessive strain.

UNDIAGNOSED HEART CONDITIONS CAN REMAIN SILENT

One of the major concerns is the presence of an underlying cardiac condition that has not produced noticeable symptoms.

Certain heart muscle disorders, inherited electrical abnormalities, and other cardiovascular conditions can remain undetected, even in young people who appear healthy. In some cases, intense physical exertion can trigger dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, potentially leading to cardiac arrest.

Dr Rasalkar points out that when a cardiac emergency occurs during intense activity, an underlying condition may already be present, even if the individual has never experienced symptoms.

However, not every cardiac emergency is caused by a previously undiagnosed condition, and intense dancing alone does not mean a person will develop a heart problem.

People with a family history of sudden cardiac death, unexplained fainting or known heart disease should seek medical advice before participating in strenuous activity. Anyone experiencing concerning symptoms during exercise should stop dancing and get medical attention.

DEHYDRATION, ALCOHOL AND OTHER RISK FACTORS

The festive atmosphere can sometimes lead people to overlook basic health precautions. Dancing for extended periods, especially in crowded or warm venues, increases sweating and fluid loss. If fluids are not replaced adequately, dehydration can contribute to dizziness, weakness and a faster heart rate.

Alcohol, smoking and cannabis use may add further risks. Depending on the substance and the individual, these can affect heart rate, blood pressure and heart rhythm. Combining substance use with prolonged physical exertion may increase the strain on the body.

People should drink water regularly, take breaks, avoid excessive alcohol and avoid smoking or using recreational drugs during celebrations. Anyone who feels unwell should move to a safe place and seek assistance rather than attempting to continue dancing.

WARNING SIGNS THAT SHOULD NEVER BE IGNORED

Recognising symptoms early is essential. Warning signs of a possible cardiac problem include:

Chest pain, pressure or tightness.

• Unusual breathlessness that does not improve with rest.
• Palpitations, especially a racing or irregular heartbeat accompanied by other symptoms.
• Sudden dizziness, near fainting or loss of consciousness.
• Cold sweating, nausea or unexplained extreme weakness.

These symptoms should not be dismissed as normal tiredness after dancing. Stop the activity immediately and seek medical assessment.

If someone collapses, becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, call emergency services, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED), if available. Quick action can be lifesaving.

HOW GARBA VENUES CAN PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES

Medical preparedness should be an essential part of organising large Garba events. Venues should have trained first aid personnel, clearly marked emergency exits, an accessible ambulance route and a plan to contact emergency services quickly.

An automated external defibrillator should be available where possible, with staff trained to use it. Organisers should also ensure that emergency teams can reach a person quickly despite large crowds.

Participants can reduce avoidable risks by pacing themselves, taking regular breaks, staying hydrated and avoiding sudden, prolonged exertion beyond their fitness levels.

Dr Rasalkar notes that medical screening may help identify certain underlying heart conditions before people undertake strenuous physical activity. An electrocardiogram (ECG) or treadmill test (TMT) may be recommended in selected cases, depending on a person's symptoms, medical history and clinical assessment. These tests are not a guarantee against cardiac emergencies, and routine testing is not necessary for every healthy person.

Ultimately, enjoying Garba safely requires awareness from both participants and organisers. Paying attention to warning signs, addressing individual risk factors and ensuring rapid access to emergency care can help make festive celebrations safer for everyone.

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