New Delhi

While exercise is essential for good health, fitness freaks must be mindful of their health conditions to prevent injury, especially to their heart.

The conversation around this issue has once again started following stand-up comedian Raju Srivastava suffering a cardiac arrest during his gym routine last week.

He was reportedly running on the treadmill and was rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Science, Delhi in a critical condition.

The 59-year-old comedian continues to be "critical and on ventilator".

"If someone above the age of 50 years is starting to go to the gym, then it may be better to get yourself checked by a cardiologist or do a stress test," said Dr Tilak Suvarna, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai.

"Avoid overdoing any exercise. Moderate exercise is good enough to reduce your risk of a heart attack," he said, adding that work out should be immediately stopped if one "gets symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath or light-headedness while working out.

"One should also keep well-hydrated and avoid going to the gym on a full stomach," he advised.

While obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and old age are traditionally existing reasons for heart ailments, health experts suggest increased workouts, stress, and Covid, adding to the risk.

Post Covid, heart attacks have been significantly on the rise, especially in celebrities often touted as fit and healthy.

"Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai" actor Deepesh Bhan (41), Marathi actor Pradeep Patwardhan (65), singer K.K. (53), Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar (46), "Balika Vadhu" actor Sidharth Shukla (40) ... the list of celebrities who lost their lives to heart attack in the recent past is long.

"Post-Covid, there has been a rise in heart attack or cardiac arrest cases among people during a gym workout. Youngsters and middle-aged people are at the most risk as they are more likely to be the victims in such cases," said Dr Ashish Agarwal, HOD Cardiology, Aakash healthcare.

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Agarwal advised people with hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes, to consult a cardiologist before beginning gym training.