Ilya ‘Golem’ Yefimchik, known as the world’s most dangerous bodybuilder, has died of a heart attack at the age of 36. The bodybuilder was rushed to hospital on September 6, where he went into a coma. He died a few days later, on September 11.

The Belarusian bodybuilder, although he never participated in professional events, shared videos of his workout routines on social media, gaining huge popularity which earned him the title “The Mutant”.

He maintained his 25-inch biceps by following a strict diet, consuming 16,500 calories daily. This included eating more than five pounds of steak and more than 100 pieces of sushi seven times a day.

According to local media, he previously claimed to have bench pressed 273kg, deadlifted 318kg and squatted 318kg.

Why are bodybuilders at risk of heart attacks?

The incident highlights the trend in recent years, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, of the younger population suffering from heart attacks or fainting while running on treadmills.

But the question still remains: How can a person in his 30s, maintaining a strict schedule on fitness and workout, suffer from a heart attack.

Dr Manjinder Singh Sandhu, Principal Director, Department of Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, said, “Weightlifting and gym workouts can be highly beneficial for heart health, muscle strength and overall fitness, but this is only possible if done correctly and in moderation.”

Dr Sandhu said it is important to maintain a balance in these activities and “avoid excessive stress on the body”.

The expert said, “For people who are involved in extreme bodybuilding or weight lifting, it is important to keep an eye on their heart health and avoid the use of performance-enhancing drugs, as these drugs can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.”

Moderation, proper technique and regular medical checkups are key to ensuring that gym workouts contribute positively to long-term health rather than pose risks.

How does a heart attack occur?

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, usually due to a build-up of plaque (a mixture of fat, cholesterol and other substances) in the coronary arteries.

This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching that part of the heart muscle, causing the affected tissue to become damaged or die.

High cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle are the major risk factors for heart attack.

But even young and healthy-looking individuals may be at risk, particularly if they have heart problems or are unhealthy use of substances such as anabolic steroids.

Dr Sandhu said there could be several possible reasons behind the death of Ilya Yefimchik.

“Due to the intense focus on bodybuilding, some possible causes may include overexertion, abuse of performance-enhancing substances, underlying cardiac issues or genetic predispositions. This may result in arrhythmias or sudden cardiac events,” he explained.

Beyond the risk factors, in their pursuit of strength and physical ability, bodybuilders often overlook symptoms of potential heart problems, attributing them to normal muscle pain or fatigue.

How to protect yourself?

It is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure a safe and effective workout.

Start with warm-up and cool-down exercises for at least 20 minutes before and after your gym session.

Pay attention to your body’s reactions after exercise, if you feel chest pain on the left side or discomfort in the joints, consult a doctor immediately.

Similarly, if you feel dizzy, have a rapid heartbeat, have difficulty breathing, feel anxious, or faint, stop exercising and seek medical advice.

Avoid overexerting yourself by exercising for long periods of time, as this can put a strain on your heart.

Don’t blindly follow fitness trends just because they’re popular on social media.

Doctors recommend prioritizing a heart checkup before starting intense exercise, as this can help detect potential heart problems early.

Focus on overall health by eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep.

Low-impact exercises such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming are known to improve heart health.

Another preventive measure is to avoid taking supplements or performance-enhancing drugs without consulting a licensed physician.