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Cardiologist reveals why people in 30s, 40s are collapsing during workouts: Treadmill isn't the enemy but…

Cardiologist warns that an increase in workout-related collapses is linked to unnoticed metabolic dysfunction. Addressing silent risk factors early is vital.

Updated on: Aug 7, 2025, 08:14:10 IST
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The rising number of people collapsing during workouts is alarming. but did you know it is not the high intensity exercises you do that are the enemy, rather it is an underlying issue that many of us ignore, and which often leads to a heart-related issue.

The key isn’t avoiding exercise — it’s detecting and addressing the silent risk factors before they turn fatal. (Freepik)
The key isn’t avoiding exercise — it’s detecting and addressing the silent risk factors before they turn fatal. (Freepik)

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In an Instagram post shared on August 1, Dr Alok Chopra, MD, MBBS, a functional medicine expert and cardiologist, explained why people under 40 are experiencing a higher risk of heart-related diseases.

Why are people in their 30s and 40s collapsing during workouts?

According to the cardiologist, it is not the treadmill that’s to blame. Rather, it’s the underlying metabolic dysfunction that goes unnoticed for years. He suggested: “The key isn’t avoiding exercise — it’s detecting and addressing the silent risk factors before they turn fatal.”

Sharing the post Dr Chopra wrote, “Fast track to a heart attack. It's not the treadmills triggering heart issues for the under 40s, it's the metabolic dysfunction.”

What's the real culprit?

Pointing out how many of us now know young people who have experienced heart attacks on a treadmill or during high-intensity training. Dr Chopra stressed that the real culprit is something else, including:

  • Poor Metabolic Health
  • Silent Insulin Resistance
  • Chronic Inflammation
  • Stress Overload
  • Poor Sleep and Recovery
  • Nutrient-Deficient Diets.

He further stated that though a lot of heart-related accidents happen during high-intensity workouts, what happens on a treadmill is the symptom surfacing. Not the cause. “If your body is already a ticking time bomb, a sudden workout might just light the fuse. The treadmill isn't the enemy. The enemy is what you're ignoring,” he stated.

So, what should you do instead? Early detection is the first step. In an Instagram post shared on July 22, Dr Naveen Bhamri, cardiologist, MD, DM, there are two tests that you should do along with an ECG to know the actual condition of your heart: TMT and ECO cardiography. Know all about these tests here.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

  • Krishna Pallavi Priya
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Krishna Pallavi Priya

    Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More

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