Heart problem? Be careful
2002-08-07 14:42
Cape Town - Experts are forever warning that exercise is part of a balanced lifestyle. But why do so many seemingly fit and healthy people succumb to heart-related diseases while exercising?
In Mossel Bay, a man had a heart attack while doing warm-up and stretch exercises in the gym last week.
Doctor Johan Bouwer, who was on the scene within seconds, says James Marais (62) died instantly. "The physiotherapist and biokineticist on the scene tried to resuscitate him, but he was already dead."
A staff member of the biokinetics centre, where Marais was training, says he came in to exercise at least four times per week.
Two basic categories
Professor Anton Doubell, head of the cardiac unit at Tygerberg Hospital, says there are a number of causes for these sudden deaths among sportsmen. "There are two basic categories: Older people with typical risk factors such as coronary vein disease, and younger people with no risk factors. When young people suddenly die of a heart-related decease, it is often because of a congenital heart muscle disease."
Professor Tim Noakes, head of the Sports Science Institute in Newlands, says people who have been inactive for a long period should go for a medical check-up before taking up an exercise programme. People with a family history of cardiac disease should also consult a doctor before starting a fitness programme.
Two gymnasium groups confirm that they enquire about people's medical history when they join the gym. Based on the information they receive, they sometimes refer a client to a doctor or biokineticist. The information is also used to design a personal training programme.
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