Key TakewaysPeople have questions about exercise and heart attacks after Mr. Big died on “And Just Like That"after a Peloton workout.Experts say this scenario is possible in real life.However, exercise is generally considered good for the heart.
Key Takeways
People have questions about exercise and heart attacks after Mr. Big died on “And Just Like That"after a Peloton workout.Experts say this scenario is possible in real life.However, exercise is generally considered good for the heart.
The “Sex and the City” reboot, “And Just Like That,“dropped on Thursday and, with it, there are a lot of questions about a pivotal scene that happens early in the new series.
In it, Carrie Bradshaw’s husband John Preston (also known as Mr. Big) has a heart attack after a vigorous class on his Peloton bike. (Peloton isn’t named in the show, but it’s clear what he’s riding.) Mr. Big had experience with riding his bike—he told Carrie at one point that this was his thousandth class—but he also had a history of heart issues. Inseason sixof “Sex and the City,” he had a “routine” heart operation.
“He was on that bike for over a thousand rides,” Miranda said. “He got the OK from his cardiologist. Exercise is good for the heart.”
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Peloton has already spoken out about the scene. Suzanne Steinbaum, a cardiologist who is on Peloton’s health and wellness advisory council, told theLos Angeles Timesthat Big’s death was likely due to his “extravagant lifestyle.”
Steinbaum continued, “The lesson here is, KNOW YOUR NUMBERS! It’s always important to talk to your doctor, get tested, and have a healthy prevention strategy. The good news is Peloton helps you track heart rate while you ride, so you can do it safely.”
Then, Reynolds chimes in with a voiceover that said, “And just like that, the world was reminded that regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs, and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Cycling strengthens your heart muscles, lowers resting pulse, and reduces blood fat levels. He’s alive.”
Still questions keep circulating on social media. Is it safe to exercise when you have a heart condition? And can something like this happen in real life? Here’s what you need to know.
Can This Happen in Real Life?
Unfortunately, yes, it’s possible to die of a heart attack while exercising.
“Exercise increases the heart’s demand for oxygen,”Jason P. Womack, MD, chief of the division of sports medicine and associate professor in the department of family medicine and community health at the Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, told Verywell. “While this is beneficial in most people, anyone with underlying cardiovascular disease may stress the heart beyond its capacity which can lead to heart-related death.”
It could be due to increased stress on the walls of the arteries, spasms in the arteries, or disruption of plaque that lines the walls of the arteries, he said.
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“In the grand scheme of things, it’s fairly rare, but it’s more likely to happen in somebody who has a known history of heart disease or risk factors for heart disease,” Tadwalkar said.
Womack noted that “men have a higher risk of heart disease compared to women and this increases as they get older.”
Mr. Big’s lifestyle choices, like smoking cigars, also wouldn’t help. “Tobacco use increases risk, as does elevated levels of cholesterol and high blood pressure,” Womack said.
And, Big’s previous heart issues “shows that there is an underlying cardiovascular disease that would increase your risk of another event.”
What This Means For YouIf you have a history of heart disease or heart-related issues, talk to a healthcare provider about how exercise can fit into your healthy lifestyle.
What This Means For You
If you have a history of heart disease or heart-related issues, talk to a healthcare provider about how exercise can fit into your healthy lifestyle.
Is It Safe to Exercise if You Have Heart Issues?
Whether it’s safe to exercise with preexisting heart issues depends on the person.
“For anyone with a history of heart issues or history of a heart attack, they should exercise under the supervision of their physicians,” Womack said. “There is testing that can be done to demonstrate what is a safe level of exertion for their heart.”
In general, weight training is considered safe and has a low risk of causing heart-related problems, Womack said, provided the weight you’re lifting isn’t “excessively heavy.”
How well your heart disease is managed or where you are in your treatment course matters, too.
“Generally speaking, if a patient’s treatment is well managed, people can exercise safely,” Tadwalkar says. “We encourage people to get out there and be the best version of themselves, and exercise usually plays a role in that.”
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Some people may need to modify their exercises but that “depends on testing,” Womack said. “Exercise stress tests can help to determine at what level a person can exercise safely,” he added.
One big caveat, Tadwalkar said, is with certain forms of congenital heart disease. “Some people with hereditary syndromes are more prone to changes in rhythm,” he explained. In those situations, exercise may not be recommended or may only be recommended on a mild level.
“Your best bet is to speak with your cardiologist or physician if you’re concerned,” Tadwalkar said.
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery.
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery.
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