Exercise Caution: Consult Doctor Before Hitting The Gym, Study Warns

New Delhi, June 24: According to a recent study conducted by researchers at IIT Kharagpur, individuals planning gym sessions should prioritize a visit to the doctor beforehand. The study revealed that individuals with highly blocked carotid arteries face a potential fatality risk during strenuous workouts, as an elevated heart rate can trigger a stroke.

However, the study also highlighted that individuals with mild blockages may benefit from gym sessions, as reported by the news agency ANI, citing the researchers' findings.

Carotid arteries play a crucial role in facilitating blood flow to the brain and facial tissues, situated on both sides of the neck. The accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and other substances on the inner walls of these arteries leads to the formation of plaque, narrowing the artery and impeding the blood flow. In the absence of sufficient blood and oxygen supply to the brain, this condition can potentially trigger a stroke, the researchers explained.

ANI quoted researcher Somnath Roy, who stated, "Intense exercise exhibits adverse effects on patients with moderate or higher stenosis levels. It significantly amplifies the shear stress at the stenosis zone, potentially causing the rupture of the plaque. Subsequently, this ruptured plaque may travel to the brain and disrupt its blood supply, resulting in an ischemic stroke."

While various factors, such as age, lifestyle, and genetics, contribute to the development of stenosis and the risk of stroke, the authors of the study strongly recommend regular monitoring of arterial health for individuals engaging in intense workouts. Furthermore, they advise implementing a carefully prescribed exercise regimen for individuals with moderate to severe stenosis or a history of strokes.