Navratri is here, and it’s a time when people set aside their daily worries to participate in various cultural celebrations, from Garba to Durga Puja. While the festivities fill the heart with joy, incidents of sudden heart attack during Garba celebrations have been on the rise in the past few years. While the exact reason behind this rising trend isn’t known, cardiologists advise people to take precautions before joining the Garba nights with their friends. Experts recommend that preventing overexertion, staying hydrated, avoiding large crowds, and eating a healthy diet can help prevent these sudden cardiac events.
In 2023, 10 people died while performing Garba, and the age group of the deceased ranged from teenagers to middle-aged people. Last year, too, many people lost their lives while dancing during Garba, as emergency ambulance services received hundreds of calls where people complained of breathlessness.
How Garba dance could affect your heart
What is it that causes a spike in heart attack cases while dancing to festive tunes? Cardiologists warn about the unique risks of performing Garba, a high-intensity aerobic exercise that our bodies are not accustomed to. Doctors say the intensity and duration of the activity can “cause a lot of exertion, fatigue,” and its fast pace may also raise the chance of dehydration.
Garba rapidly increases the heart rate, leading to higher oxygen consumption by the heart muscles, explains Dr Shantanu Singhal, Consultant – Cardiology, Fortis Greater Noida.
The expert says that due to genetic reasons or other risk factors, the high-intensity exercise could strain the heart, and a sudden heart attack or cardiac arrest may occur. Dr Singhal adds that the younger population may experience cardiac arrests mainly because of genetic factors.
A special warning for people leading an inactive lifestyle
Not to forget that it’s not every day people partake in such high-intensity activities, and for people who are following an inactive lifestyle, it can trigger heart-related events. Dr. Ruchit Shah, Interventional Cardiologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, agrees that since Garba nights are organised only once in a year and involves fast dancing, the changes of exertion, fatigue and dehydration rise.
Experts say this could be prevented by gradually increasing level of activity and exercise over a month. A warm-up and cool-down can also help the heart cope with the stress.
“So if you are a healthy individual and you are well-trained, you are having some sort of physical activity or exercise on a daily basis, then it should not be a problem. But if you intend to do Garba in the Navratri festival, I would strongly recommend to slowly upgrading your level of activity and exercise over the past one-month period. Do a short warm-up and a short cool-down,” says Shah.
Dr Singhal says other factors that can raise the risk of heart attack in people are late hours, insufficient rest, and pre-existing health issues like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and other undiagnosed problems.
Can loud music, large crowds increase heart attack risk?
Experts also feel loud music, large crowds and limited spaces could lead to ventilation issues.
“Crowd density, limited space, perhaps temperature or ventilation issues. Also, absence of immediate medical support in some places,” says Dr Singhal.
“Exposure to loud music at Garba events can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially triggering arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, a serious condition linked to heart attacks and strokes,” he adds.
If you feel sweaty and suffocated during such events, make sure to step away from the crowded areas and seek medical help. “CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and automated external defibrillators should be available in many such events,” feels Dr Singhal.
How to prepare yourself for the Garba night
Health checkups
Before hopping onto the dance floor, it’s advised to get a health checkup done, especially if you are aware of any pre-existing conditions, family history or not physically active.
While sudden cardiac events are rare, any strenuous activity, including dance can put one at risk. Conditions like arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy could potentially lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
The right foods
People may consume oily and junk food which is low in nutrition during the festive season which may lead to health issues. It’s important to consume fibre and protein-rich foods and staying hydrated with electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water.
Take breaks, rest
Over-exertion can kill. Taking rests and breaks and avoiding large crowds can help. Above all, listing to your body and stopping when you feel dizzy, chest pressure, or extreme fatigue can save you from an unexpected medical issue.
“If you have any chest pain, breathing difficulty, palpitation, sweating, giddiness, dizziness, etc. then you must stop immediately,” says Dr Shah.