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.

Causes of heart attack in the bathroom

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