Heart attacks in healthy people: A popular shower habit could take the blame

New Delhi: Heart diseases have for long been the deadliest killers around the world – yet, it is shocking how the incidence of heart attacks in healthy people has skyrocketed in the past few years, especially since the coronavirus pandemic kicked off. Several celebrities, actors, singers, and cricketers succumbed to the cardiovascular condition when blood flow to the heart comes to a halt suddenly starving the organ of oxygen. Although it is often associated with comorbidities like hypertension, high cholesterol, and poor lifestyle choices like smoking – a popular shower habit could contribute to a heightened risk of the deadly condition.

Initial heart attack symptoms include shortness of breath, jaw, and chest pain. However, certain external factors could contribute to the onset of this condition in heart disease patients – exposure to a sudden gush of water for instance.

How do shower habits contribute to heart attack risk?

According to experts, cold showers can have a negative effect on heart patients as “it could precipitate a heart attack or heart rhythm irregularities," reports The Conversation.

Cold showers can shock the blood vessels in the skin causing them to contract thereby obstructing smooth blood flow in the body. This can increase heart rate, making it harder for the heart to pump blood around the body. As a result, pressure increases causing heart attacks even in healthy people. The American Heart Association, too, cites research published in the journal of Physiology which said that plunging into cold water during hot weather may cause heart attacks in young, fit and healthy people. This is due to an autonomic conflict which can trigger abnormal heart rhythms and may in extreme cases cause sudden death.

Are cold showers always harmful?

When taken prudently, cold showers can do more good than harm. An extensive study on the benefits of cold showers revealed that people who took them for 30 to 90 seconds a day were 29 per cent less likely to take time off from work due to sickness as this habit can strengthen the immune system.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.