Building muscles is not a new trend. The fascination of looking muscular, especially among bodybuilders, still exists. While regular exercise is crucial for health and overall wellness, only focusing on physical appearance can be dangerous. Dr Sudhir Kumar, a top neurologist from India, has now weighed in on the hidden risks of bodybuilding in the wake of the demise of bodybuilder-actor Varinder Ghuman.
Varinder Ghuman’s demise
Bodybuilder and actor Varinder Ghuman, 42, died on Thursday evening at a private hospital in Punjab’s Amritsar. He passed away following a heart attack, according to PTI. Often called the world’s first professional vegetarian bodybuilder, Ghuman won the Mr India title at the annual national bodybuilding championship in 2009. He was awarded 2nd place in Mr Asia. “The bodybuilding community in India was left stunned with the sudden demise of renowned bodybuilder and actor Varinder Singh Ghuman, who passed away at just 42 years of age during a routine shoulder surgery in Amritsar. According to the hospital statement, the surgery performed under general anesthesia itself was uneventful, but soon after, Ghuman developed a sudden cardiac arrhythmia. Despite prolonged resuscitative efforts by the medical team, he could not be revived. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans. Om Shanti,” Dr. Kumar wrote on X.
What could have led to the bodybuilder’s death?
Dr. Kumar has weighed in on the cause of Ghuman’s death. “From a medical perspective, this tragic event highlights the silent risks that lurk beneath extreme physical appearances. Bodybuilders, particularly those who achieve extraordinary muscle mass, may sometimes carry hidden vulnerabilities in the heart,” the doctor said. The doctor pointed out several possible contributing factors:
Anabolic steroid use , if present, can cause abnormal heart enlargement, scarring, and rhythm disturbances.- Extreme training and muscle bulk can increase the heart’s workload, even in the absence of steroids.
- General anesthesia places additional stress on the heart, sometimes unmasking hidden electrical instability.
- Sudden cardiac arrhythmia, an electrical malfunction of the heart, can strike without warning and is a leading cause of sudden death in young athletes.
Important lessons for fitness enthusiasts
The neurologist emphasized that fitness should not just be about external appearance. “A sculpted body does not always equal a healthy heart. Regular health check-ups, especially for those engaged in high-intensity training or considering elective surgery, are essential,” he said. Dr. Kumar stressed the importance of cardiac screening (ECG, echocardiogram, stress test) for athletes and bodybuilders before undergoing procedures.He also emphasized that open conversations about supplement and steroid use with doctors are crucial, as they can impact anesthesia and surgical risks.The doctor further underlined the importance of a healthy lifestyle, which includes aerobic fitness, a healthy diet, and avoiding performance-enhancing drugs, to protect both body and brain.
Doctor’s perspective
Dr. Kumar further elaborated about the hidden risks behind building muscles, and said, “As a doctor, I often see patients who focus only on external strength while ignoring hidden risks to the brain and heart. Sudden arrhythmia can deprive the brain of blood flow in seconds, leading to collapse and death if not reversed.” “Tragedies like Ghuman’s remind us that health must be comprehensive, protecting the heart, brain, and body together.”
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