Many people tend to suffer a heart attack as the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle suddenly gets blocked due to a clot forming in a narrowed coronary artery. Without enough oxygen, the heart muscle can get damaged. Unfortunately, heart attack is one of the leading causes of death in India. They can happen anywhere, even in the bathroom. As people have a habit of straining while pooping, and that can raise the chance of a heart attack. Hence, experts advise avoiding straining and preventing any heart-related problems.
While heart attacks can happen anywhere, the bathroom is one place where they are occasionally triggered. Heart attacks are not only seen due to stress, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, diabetes and obesity, but even straining during bowel movements. “So, there are a large number of people who strain too hard during a bowel movement, particularly due to constipation. So, understand that this can increase pressure inside the chest and abdomen. This sudden strain temporarily affects blood pressure and heart rate, placing extra stress on the heart. In people with underlying heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or weakened heart function, this added stress can lead to chest pain, abnormal heart rhythms, or even a heart attack. The symptoms of a heart attack seen in such people can be severe chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the left arm, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back, shortness of breath, cold sweats, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or even sudden collapse. Hence, timely treatment is key to improve the quality of life,” said Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre, cardiac surgeon in Mumbai
Dr Bhamre further added, “If chest pain or severe discomfort starts while passing the bowels, then don’t strain, stop immediately, and ask for help. Make sure to consult the doctor without delay. To reduce the risk, prevent constipation by drinking enough water, opt for a fibre-rich diet, exercise every day for 45 minutes, and avoid prolonged straining. Those detected with heart disease should take prescribed medicines regularly, control blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, and attend routine health check-ups. So, make sure to prevent constipation and, in turn, keep the heart healthy.”
“Many people are unaware that excessive straining while passing stools may temporarily reduce blood flow to the heart and increase the pressure on the heart. This change may not be a matter of concern for those individuals who are healthy. But when it comes to people with blocked arteries or existing heart disease, this can be dangerous and will need timely attention, as it can raise the chances of a heart attack. The risk is even higher in elderly individuals, people with chronic constipation, obesity, or those recovering from a previous heart attack. Maintaining good bowel health is therefore not just about digestive comfort; it is also important for heart health. Hence, see to it that you avoid straining while passing bowels, eat a nutritious diet, say NO to processed and canned foods, stay physically active to ensure smooth passing of stools, and doing so will also keep the heart healthy,” concluded Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal Sr. Consultant Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgeon, Gleneagles Hospitals in Parel.
Heart attack can strike in the toilet, and Mumbai experts want you to know how
