HYROX competitors were warned by a cardiologist to be wary of getting a heart attack, especially those in high-risk groups, by pushing themselves beyond their limit and that they should always control the intensity, observe for unusual symptoms and undergo pre-competition screening, PPTVHD36 said this morning (Aug. 14).
Hyrox is an indoor fitness competition that combines 8km of running and 8 functional workout stations, alternating between running and functional exercises. It bills itself as “The World Series of Fitness Racing” and “A Sport for Everybody”, according to Wikipedia.
Dr. Akanis Srisukwattana, aka Dr. Air, a cardiologist and specialist in sports cardiology at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, posted a Facebook message warning participants in Hyrox competitions to be careful following news of athletes suffering heart attacks. He advised competitors to assess their own risk and prepare their bodies appropriately before competing.
The incidence of heart attack during sports competition is approximately 1 in 100,000 people in the general population, but the rate is higher among those over 50 or with underlying conditions and could climb to approximately 1 in 5,000 people.
Currently, there is insufficient data to conclude that Hyrox is more likely to cause death than running or other endurance sports. However, because Hyrox combines running and power endurance, it causes heart rate and blood pressure to rise intermittently and is more intense than typical running or weight training, especially during high-resistance sections such as sled push and pull and burpee broad jumps.
Dr. Air recommended that competitors should compete in line with their training and not push themselves to achieve faster times or increase the intensity beyond their physical capabilities on that day.
This is especially important for those with risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or a history of cardiovascular disease.
During the competition, it is not necessary to exert maximum effort at every station. There should be periods of rest and controlled breathing, especially during high-intensity stations, to reduce the workload on the heart before continuing.
Dr. Air urged competitors to mostly keep their fatigue level at around 7/10 rate of perceived exertion (RPE), or a level where they feel tired but can still manage and speak in short sentences. Periods of fatigue at levels 8–9/10 RPE, where they can barely speak, may occur during competition, but should not stay at that level for extended periods.
Competitors were urged to stop immediately if they experience any unusual symptoms, such as the following:
Chest tightness or pain; unusual shortness of breath compared to the intensity of the activity; dizziness; lightheadedness or fainting; unusual palpitations; cold sweat or a feeling of faintness
However, Dr. Air mentioned that competitors should enjoy the competition, especially those in high-risk groups, and compete as they have trained and not worry excessively, but also do not push themselves beyond their capabilities.
Pre-competition screening is crucial to assess individual risk and help plan exercise and competition appropriately for their physical condition.
CAPTION:
A Hyrox competitor, above, and a group of them at a station, Front Page. Above photo – Alexandre Ricart on Unsplash, Front Page – PPTVHD36
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