Those who exercise daily without at least one recovery (rest) day in a week have a higher mortality risk.
While the exact cause of the heart attack of “Century Rider” Anil Kadsur is not immediately known, his death has put the focus on physical exertion leading to heart attacks and also the importance of golden hour — the first hour after the onset of a heart attack.
Kadsur made the headlines after he took up the challenge of cycling 100 km daily for over 1,000 days, apparently without a break.
Taking to X, Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy, an interventional cardiologist at Kauvery Hospital in Marathahalli, Bengaluru, reposted a previous post on the importance of the golden hour.
Although I do not know details of what exactly happened with the famous cyclist who died recently, I came across some details which I think are the main reasons for the unfortunate event.
1. He was up at 2.30am daily and cycled from 3am to 9am – LACK OF SLEEP/REST
2. Cycled…— Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy (@DrDeepakKrishn1) February 4, 2024
“Appropriate action within the first 60 minutes of a heart attack can reverse its effects. This concept is extremely important to understand because most deaths and cardiac arrests occur during this period,” Dr Krishnamurthy said.
“I do not know details of what exactly happened with the famous cyclist who died recently, I came across some details which I think are the main reasons for the unfortunate event,” he said based on the limited information now available.
He explained further that Kadsur was up at 2.30 am daily and cycled from 3 am to 9 am, which Dr Krishnamurthy said, meant “lack of sleep/rest”.
The 45-year-old trainer cycled 100 km per day, which the cardiologist termed “over-exertion”. Kadsur also refused to visit the hospital after developing chest discomfort and had to be persuaded to seek medical assistance.
However, by then more than 12 hours had reportedly passed, which Dr Krishnamurthy said, was “delayed beyond golden hours,”. Hence, he stressed the importance of people knowing about the “golden hour”.
The first hour after the onset of a heart attack is called the golden hour. Appropriate action within the first 60 minutes of a heart attack can reverse its effects. This concept is extremely important to understand because most deaths and cardiac arrests occur during this… pic.twitter.com/6UiG4P9RKD
— Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy (@DrDeepakKrishn1) March 13, 2023
Dr Krishnamurthy explained that the golden hour holds good for everyone, irrespective of age. However, though heart attack survival is unpredictable, he said, “Some people may not even get five minutes. However, the emphasis is on prevention and rushing to the hospital as early as possible, within one hour is the best to do.”
Meanwhile, if the ECG shows a Myocardial Infarction (MI) then Dr Krishnamurthy recommended Aspirin 325, Clopidogrel 300 and Atorvastatin 80.
Echoing similar concern, Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist from Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad — himself a cyclist and fitness expert — said on X that “we cannot get Anil sahab back, however, it gives us a moment to reflect on what could have gone wrong in such a super athlete”.
The neurologist, who posts regularly on fitness, then proceeded to explain that the benefits of exercise plateau and becomes detrimental after a certain level.
First of all, my heart felt condolences to Anil Kadsur’s family, friends and followers, Om Shanti 🙏
We can not get Anil sahab back, however, it gives us a moment to reflect on what could have gone… https://t.co/aPwqu25Exh pic.twitter.com/Jk3iFeG8YU
— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) February 3, 2024
Citing studies, Dr Kumar said the effects of exercise on mortality are U-shaped: “Initially, there are benefits, but beyond a certain exercise dose, there is a detrimental effect on health and there is an increased mortality risk,” he said.
Citing studies, Dr Kumar said those who exercise daily without at least one recovery (rest) day in a week have a higher mortality risk. “It is important to take at least a day off per week from vigorous exercise,” he said.
Agreeing, DJ, fitness coach and founder of Oduba, a Bengaluru-base running group said, “We are very cautious. There is a need for a rest day. We need to keep the exercise within a reasonable limit. Even for those who run marathons, we insist on a rest and recovery day,” he explained.
For those who visit the gym regularly, Dr Kumar suggested a mix of strength training and cardio exercises (such as running).
Meanwhile, another fitness expert, Hrishikesh Shinde, the co-founder of Sculpt Fitness, said, “I recommend to my clients to avoid such challenges which have no scope for rest and recovery.”
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