Key Takeaways:
- Being physically active doesn’t eliminate all risks for heart conditions.
- Genetic factors, silent structural issues, or undiagnosed conditions may still cause problems.
- Sudden cardiac events can happen without warning, even in people who appear fit.
- Regular heart screenings help detect silent risks early.
- Don’t ignore warning signs like fainting, chest pain, or unusual fatigue during exercise.
When Fitness Isn’t the Whole Picture
We often associate regular exercise with good heart health, and for the most part, that’s true. Physical activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and lowers the risk of many chronic conditions.
But while exercise is protective, it’s not a guarantee against heart problems. There have been instances of seemingly healthy, active individuals, runners, cyclists, gym-goers, suddenly collapsing due to unexpected heart conditions.
How is this possible?
The Hidden Risks Behind a Healthy Lifestyle
Even if you live a healthy lifestyle, several invisible factors can affect your heart:
1. Genetic Heart Conditions
Some people inherit structural or electrical heart issues, such as:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) – thickening of the heart muscle, a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.
- Inherited arrhythmias – abnormal heart rhythms that may be triggered by intense activity.
- Familial hypercholesterolemia – extremely high cholesterol levels despite a healthy lifestyle.
2. Undiagnosed Heart Problems
Conditions like:
- Valvular heart disease
- Coronary artery anomalies
- Atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
…can go unnoticed until they cause serious symptoms—especially when triggered by physical stress during workouts.
3. Silent Risk Factors
You may look and feel fit, but have:
- Elevated blood pressure
- High LDL cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Coronary plaque buildup
These are often asymptomatic, but over time, they raise the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Even if you’re fit, see a cardiologist if you experience:
- Chest discomfort, tightness, or pain during or after exercise
- Shortness of breath beyond your normal effort level
- Unexplained dizziness or fainting
- Palpitations or a racing heart
- A family history of sudden cardiac death or early heart disease
Heart Screening: Not Just for the Inactive
A heart screening can provide peace of mind, or catch a hidden condition before it becomes dangerous. This is especially important if:
- You’re over 40
- You’re starting high-intensity training
- You have a family history of heart problems
- You’ve noticed changes in your stamina, recovery, or heartbeat
Schedule Your Heart Screening Today
At Heart Specialist International, we offer personalised cardiac evaluations for individuals of all activity levels, from weekend joggers to competitive athletes.
Services include:
- ECG and 24-hour Holter monitoring
- Echocardiogram and cardiac imaging
- Cholesterol and blood pressure checks
- Risk assessment and cardiologist consultation
📞 Call us at +65 6962 1287
📍 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
Book a Heart Check-Up
Protect the heart that keeps you moving, because even the fittest hearts need checking.
