Active yet vulnerable: Malaysian figures who succumbed to heart attacks

SHAH ALAM - Heart attacks are often associated with sedentary lifestyles, but they can also tragically affect those active in sports.

In Malaysia, several prominent individuals have succumbed to heart attacks despite their active lifestyles, raising awareness about the potential risks even for those who seem to be in peak physical condition.

Here are a few notable cases of active Malaysians who passed away due to cardiac arrest:

• Ashraf Sinclair: Ashraf Sinclair reportedly died of a heart attack at the age of 40 in 2020. This news surprised many because the husband of artist Bunga Citra Lestari (BCL) was known for exercising regularly, especially CrossFit. Under the Indonesian Fitness Trainer Association, CrossFit is a training programme combining aerobic and anaerobic systems.
• Gan Teik Chai: Last year, former national doubles star Gan Teik Chai died at the age of 40. According to his close friends, the former Australian Open champion died of a heart attack overseas.
• Serbegeth "Shebby" Singh: Popular football personality Serbegeth Singh passed away in January 2022. The 61-year-old is believed to have suffered a heart attack while cycling in Sunway Iskandar in Johor Baru.
• Unnamed Middle-Aged Man: Last year, a middle-aged man was found dead at the Kajang Stadium in Selangor after suffering a heart attack while running.
• Secondary School Student: In April this year, a 14-year-old secondary school student died after collapsing during a cross-country activity. The student was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead two hours later. It was learned that the student had been suffering from heart disease since 2016.
• Young Badminton Player: In 2020, a 23-year-old man died suddenly while playing badminton at 11pm with his friends on a local badminton court. Emergency services tried performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on him, but to no avail.

Forensic analysis revealed that the young man had passed away from acute coronary syndrome, where decreased blood flow to the coronary arteries causes parts of the heart muscle to fail to function properly.

Why Heart Attacks Occur in Active Individuals

Heart attacks, or myocardial infarctions, occur when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, causing tissue damage.

While physical activity generally reduces the risk of heart disease, intense or prolonged exercise can sometimes trigger heart attacks in individuals with underlying heart conditions.

Key factors include:

1. Undiagnosed Heart Conditions: Many active individuals may have undiagnosed heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease or arrhythmias, which can be exacerbated by physical exertion.
2. Genetic Predisposition: Family history plays a significant role in heart health, and those with a genetic predisposition to heart disease are at higher risk, even if they are active.
3. Intense Physical Activity: High-intensity activities, like CrossFit or competitive sports, can put excessive strain on the heart, especially if the individual is not adequately conditioned or if they push beyond their limits.
4. Electrolyte Imbalances: Vigorous exercise can lead to imbalances in electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium, which are crucial for heart function.
5. Previous Heart Damage: Prior unnoticed heart damage can predispose individuals to further cardiac events during strenuous activities.