Heart Risks of Working Out in the Gym – What You Need to Know

By Dr. Mahadev Swamy, Cardiologist – Mahadev Heart Care, Bangalore

Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your heart. But can too much or the wrong kind of exercise at the gym actually put your heart at risk? The answer is yes — especially if you have underlying heart conditions or don’t exercise safely. At Mahadev Heart Care, Bangalore, we often see patients who experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations triggered by intense workouts.

In this blog, I aim to highlight how to recognize heart risks associated with gym workouts and what precautions can help keep your heart safe.

The Benefits – And The Risks

There is no doubt that working out improves cardiovascular health. Strength training and cardio help reduce blood pressure, control weight, and strengthen the heart muscle. However, when workouts are too intense, poorly planned, or not suited to individual health conditions, they may increase the risk of:

• Heart attack

• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy complications

• Sudden cardiac arrest

This is particularly true for individuals who are new to fitness, have existing heart conditions, or return to exercise after a long break.

Who is at Risk?

Some gym-goers are more vulnerable to heart-related complications during exercise. Risk factors include:

• Age above 40, especially with sedentary lifestyle

• Family history of heart disease

• High blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol

• Smoking or heavy alcohol consumption

• Obesity

• Previous heart attack or cardiac procedure

Many people with underlying heart conditions do not know they have one until an intense workout reveals the problem.

Warning Signs to Watch For

If you experience any of the following during or after exercise, stop immediately and consult a doctor:

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Unusual shortness of breath

• Dizziness or fainting

• Irregular or racing heartbeat

• Pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back

• Nausea or sweating not explained by exertion

These could be early signs of heart distress and should not be ignored.

Safe Gym Practices for Heart Health

Here are my top recommendations for minimizing heart risks while staying active:

1. Get a Cardiac Health Checkup Especially if you are above 30, overweight, or have a family history of heart disease. An ECG, treadmill test, or echocardiogram can detect potential issues early.

2. Start Slow and Build Gradually Don’t go from zero to high-intensity workouts. Allow your heart time to adapt.

3. Warm Up and Cool Down Skipping these steps puts extra strain on your heart.

4. Stay Hydrated and Avoid Overheating Dehydration can stress the cardiovascular system.

5. Listen to Your Body Pushing through pain or discomfort is never wise — especially chest discomfort.

6. Avoid Heavy Lifting Without Supervision Weightlifting raises blood pressure and may cause strain on the heart if done incorrectly.

7. Don’t Ignore Recovery Time Your heart needs time to rest and repair, just like your muscles.

The Role of Preventive Cardiology

At Mahadev Heart Care, we believe prevention is better than cure. We offer:

• Pre-exercise cardiac screening

• Heart health assessments

• Lifestyle and diet counselling

• Customized exercise advice for heart patients

If you're planning to start a gym routine or have experienced symptoms while working out, it’s advisable to consult a cardiologist.

Final Thoughts

Exercise is essential — but it should be done mindfully. Pushing yourself too hard in the gym, especially without understanding your heart health status, can do more harm than good. Your heart deserves the same attention as your muscles.

Stay active, stay smart, and listen to your heart.

For consultations and heart health checkups, visit us at Mahadev Heart Care, Bangalore.