Will working out in the gym lower your cardiac health? Renowned cardiologist explains

Gone are the days when people could easily recommend gyms and running for heart health. Thanks to the numerous recent reports on seemingly healthy adults collapsing and dying in gyms while working out, many wonder whether it would be the right option to improve cardiac health. Numerous 'expert' opinions on social media on the matter have also further confused many who wanted to join gyms to improve their health. Dr Deepak Davidson, a renowned cardiologist at Caritas Hospital, Kottayam, explains this matter. 

Who shouldn't work out in the gym?
Dr Deepak says he often gets asked whether working out in the gym is dangerous for the heart. The cardiologist says, "My answer is, no." However, there is a catch. He explains, "If someone, who does not know that they have a heart condition that does not support heavy workouts, attempts them, that is dangerous." But, how does one know whether their heart can handle gym workouts? The doctor gives an example. "If a person is 50 years old, and they want to join a gym, they should first make sure that their heart is ready for it, through a handful of tests," he says. If they return expected results, they can go to the gym stress-free and work out well, the cardiologist says.

What are the tests?
ECG - Echo Cardiogram
The test checks for irregular heart rhythms or underlying cardiac problems.
Treadmill test
Also known as a stress test, it checks how the heart responds to a specific level of physical exertion —running or walking —on a treadmill. 
"These tests can reveal if a person has a block, which they were not aware of, and take the necessary steps. If the tests return normal results, they can work out just as any other healthy person," says Dr Deepak.