Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in India, responsible for around 28% of all deaths according to the World Health Organization report. Unlike earlier decades, when heart disease was mostly seen in older adults, more Indians in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are now affected.
In recent years, incidents of sudden cardiac arrest during gym workouts, marathon runs, and even yoga sessions have been reported. India’s rising burden of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles, combined with sudden bursts of intense exercise, makes early recognition of warning signs critical.
Unfortunately, many people in India dismiss these symptoms as gas, acidity, dehydration, or low stamina, which delays life-saving treatment. This list explains 7 key symptoms of a heart attack that can show up while exercising.
1. Chest Pain or Pressure During Exercise
Chest pain is the most classic symptom of a heart attack. It may feel like heaviness, tightness, squeezing, or burning in the middle of the chest.
- Chest pain during workouts may be mistaken for acidity, but in reality, it can indicate reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Studies show a large proportion of heart patients in India delayed hospital visits because they thought chest pain was “gas” or indigestion.
2. Unusual Shortness of Breath
It’s normal to feel out of breath after a tough run or workout, but sudden breathlessness disproportionate to effort is a red flag.
- It can signal that the heart is struggling to pump blood effectively.
- With rising obesity and asthma cases in Indian cities, breathlessness is often blamed on “poor fitness” rather than heart disease, leading to under-recognition.
3. Dizziness or Sudden Lightheadedness
If you feel faint, unsteady, or about to black out during exercise, it may indicate that the heart is not supplying enough blood to the brain.
- This is a possible sign of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or heart attack.
- Hot weather and dehydration are common in India, so dizziness is often attributed to heat exhaustion, but ignoring it can delay emergency treatment.
4. Pain in Arm, Jaw, or Neck
Heart-related pain doesn’t always stay in the chest. It can radiate to the left arm, jaw, neck, or even back.
- Radiating pain is a well-established sign of cardiac distress.
- Many gym-goers in India confuse this with a “muscle pull” from lifting weights, leading to dangerous delays in seeking care.
5. Excessive Sweating Without Reason
Sweating during workouts is normal, but sudden, cold, clammy sweat during light or moderate effort is not.
- Abnormal sweating often accompanies heart attacks.
- In India’s tropical climate, excessive sweating is easily dismissed, but the quality of sweat (cold and clammy, with weakness) differentiates it from normal exertion.
6. Nausea or Indigestion-Like Feeling
Some people experience nausea, stomach pain, or burning sensations during a heart attack.
- Heart attacks can mimic digestive problems.
- Many Indians assume chest discomfort is “acidity” and take antacids or painkillers, delaying urgent treatment. AIIMS doctors note this as a major reason for late hospital arrivals in cardiac emergencies.
7. Unusual Fatigue or Weakness
Extreme tiredness during workouts, especially if it happens earlier than usual in your routine, may be a warning sign.
- It can indicate reduced heart efficiency.
- Women in India are especially at risk of under-recognized cardiac fatigue symptoms. A study in the Indian Heart Journal highlighted that women often present with fatigue instead of classic chest pain, leading to underdiagnosis.
7 Heart Attack Symptoms During Exercise Quick Recap
| Symptom | Why It Matters | India-Specific Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chest Pain or Pressure | Classic warning sign of heart attack, indicates reduced blood flow to heart muscle | Often mistaken for acidity or “gas”, leading cause of delayed treatment in India |
| Unusual Shortness of Breath | Signals heart not pumping effectively | Commonly blamed on poor stamina or asthma in Indian gyms and runners |
| Dizziness or Lightheadedness | Suggests reduced blood flow to brain, possible arrhythmia | Often confused with dehydration or heat exhaustion in India’s hot climate |
| Pain in Arm, Jaw, or Neck | Radiating pain is a known red flag for cardiac distress | Misunderstood as muscle pull or strain during weight training |
| Excessive Sweating (Cold/Clammy) | Often accompanies heart attacks, different from normal sweat | In India’s tropical climate, abnormal sweating is overlooked as “normal” |
| Nausea or Indigestion-like Feeling | Heart attack can mimic stomach issues | Frequently mistaken for acidity; many patients take antacids instead of seeking care (AIIMS notes this delay) |
| Unusual Fatigue or Weakness | Indicates reduced heart efficiency, more common in women | Indian women often report fatigue as a cardiac symptom but face underdiagnosis |
What To Do If You Notice These Symptoms
- Stop exercising immediately.
- Do not take painkillers, balms, or antacids to mask symptoms.
- Call emergency services (dial 108 in India).
- Get an ECG and medical evaluation at the nearest hospital.
- If you have known risk factors (diabetes, high BP, family history), be extra cautious during workouts.
Summary – Symptoms That Signal a Heart Attack While Working Out
Exercise is essential for good health, but ignoring warning signs during workouts can be life-threatening. Heart attacks are increasingly affecting younger Indians, and early recognition of symptoms can save lives.
Listen to your body: persistent chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, or unexplained fatigue during exercise is never normal.
Medical Disclaimer – This list is for general awareness only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience any of the symptoms described, please seek immediate medical attention from a qualified healthcare provider.
