Exercising? Re-Think About Blocked Arteries Next Time

Exercising to some of us is a fresh start to a heavy work-day, a relief from stress, or maybe a simple walk in nature. For gym enthusiasts, it is a way of living up in shape and maintaining the physics and dynamics of the body. But to some people, it might just not be an ideal way to remain fit. 

As according to the research reported by scientists at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, exercising may lead up to an increase in heart rate in individuals with blocked carotid arteries, resulting in brain strokes. Blocked arteries is a very common health term people hear almost every day. It is the prime reason for heart strokes as well. Carotid arteries are one of the most crucial arteries present on either side of our neck. These are responsible for supplying blood to the brain.

The research findings also emphasized that exercising is beneficial for those with good heart conditions and also to those with partial-block arteries as it helps regulate continuous blood flow. The blockage in arteries is due to plaque build-up which happens due to particularly rich diet in fat and cholesterol. The plaque build-up results in narrowing of arteries which is a condition known as stenosis and the disease is called Atherosclerosis. Stenosis hinders the normal supply of blood and oxygen to the brain, which therefore leads to strokes. Obesity, smoking, and diabetes are the common risk factors promoting stenosis. 

Exercising and Blockage Study

The researchers used computational models to simulate the conditions with blood flow in carotid arteries representing three different scenarios- No blockage; mild (30%) stenosis; and medium (50%) stenosis. Further to achieve optimal body conditions in their model, they used different sets of heart-beats to work out results in an exercised body (heart-rate 140 beats per minute) and in a relaxed body (heart-rate 67 and 100 beats per minute).

To their expectations, the researchers observed an improved health condition of the carotid artery in the cases of healthy (no blockage), and mild blockage conditions. While the case where 50% stenosis was studied, the results were gruesome. The increased heart rate while in the mode of exercise in the moderate stenosis case led to increased pressure on the plaque zone which ultimately resulted in the rupture of the artery. The ruptured plaque from the artery could travel up to the brain, clog other blood supply leading to even worse conditions- ischemic stroke.

The study was published in Physics of Fluids. The researchers put forward an effort to identify the cause of sudden deaths that occur mostly when asymptomatic individuals pay a visit to gyms and experience heart-aches or abrupt strokes. Although in early stages, it could be difficult to detect plaque formation and accumulation, but the researchers advise on regular check-ups with doctors for overall arterial health. To practice a carefully-structured exercise regime is the best rather than rigorously subjecting the body to shear-stress.