Physical Wellness

Does Exercise Trigger Heart Attacks?

By Joie M Gahum | Update Date: Mar 07, 2017 08:20 AM EST

"Biggest Loser" host Bob Harper is at the peak of his health and was living a life inspiring others to exercise and live healthily. However, the 51-year-old fitness guru suffered a heart attack while working out and created confusion around the minds of money. Can exercise and physical activity trigger a heart attack?

According to USA Today, heart disease is one of the leasing killers in men and women in the United States. Around 735,000 Americans suffer from a heart attack every year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.

Bob Harper is currently recovering from the heart attack and has other obvious risk factors that could have triggered the attack. His mother died of a heart attack and according to the American Heart Association, family history can also contribute an increased risk in experiencing a heart attack. Harper was working out in a New York gm when the heart attack happened.

However, the American College of Sports Medicine outweighs rigorous exercise as a trigger to a possible heart attack if the person is already fit. The overall health benefits of exercise "far outweigh" any risk.

Today also reports that exercise does not increase a person's overall risk of having a heart attack. It does not increase the risk of dying from a heart attack as well. The benefits of regular exercise have already been established. It can control diabetes, heart disease, improve one's mood, reduce stress and help a person sleep better.

However, working out and sports can bring temporary stress to one's body. Seeking a professional for advice on what type of exercise will fit a certain body type. It is recommended more for those suffering from health issues. 

Harper also happens to fall into the 3 percent of US men and 2 percent of US women who have heart attacks between ages 40 and 59. Other risk factors can also include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes.

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