We are all familiar with the many benefits of exercise, but you need to be aware of some of the risks associated with exercise as well. And one of the most serious risks is that of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in people with both documented and undiscovered cardiovascular disease.
What many don't realize, however, is that the most likely time for SCA to occur is not during exercise, but immediately afterward if an adequate cool down is not performed.
An abrupt stop in exercising can cause blood to pool , dropping blood pressure and keeping blood from being returned to the brain and the heart. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, and an abnormal heart beat.
Accordingly, you everyone should allow for a 5-10 minute period of gradual cool down including light exercise, stretching, and/or foam rolling after every workout. Under no circumstances should you stop exercising and immediately stand still, sit or lie down.
According to Dr. Anthony Abbott, people with documented heart issues should be particularly diligent in warming-up and cooling down adequately. You should ensure that the facilities where you exercise have CPR-trained personnel, available AEDs, and an emergency-response plan in place.
Although exercise-induced SCA is relatively rare, you should be fully aware of the risk. And you can minimize the risk by being diligent in being pre-screened by your doctor and performing adequate warm ups and cool downs.
Dr. Smith: (to Robot) Silence, you mental midget...you nickel-plated nincompoop!
(Lost in Space, 1965-1968)
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