Ludhiana, Aug 8 — In a first, the Punjab government has issued a joint health advisory aimed at preventing sudden cardiac arrests among gym-goers and sportspersons, amid growing concerns over deaths linked to intense physical activity and unsafe supplement use.
Unveiled by Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Thursday at an event titled “Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Among Gym-Goers and Sportspersons”, the advisory is a collaborative effort by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) and Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH).
The initiative is part of the government’s broader public health campaign, Swasth Punjab – Surakshit Punjab, and marks a shift toward promoting informed fitness culture and life-saving practices among the state’s youth.
“Sudden cardiac arrests during exercise or sports are not mere accidents. They are often the result of undiagnosed medical conditions, unregulated dietary choices, and unchecked supplement use,” said Dr. Singh. “Today’s high-pressure lifestyle, poor diet, and lack of screenings put even seemingly fit young people at serious risk.”
The Health Minister said the idea for the advisory emerged from a discussion with PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal and noted cardiologist Dr. Bishav Mohan of DMCH. Singh stressed the need for a “science-backed yet accessible” health guide, expressing concern over supplement abuse and the lack of regulation in the fitness industry.
“This isn’t just a document — it’s a life-saving guide crafted with scientific reasoning and deep concern for the youth,” Singh said, adding that experts had responded swiftly to the call for collaboration.
The advisory warns against the use of uncertified energy drinks and performance enhancers, especially “quick-result” supplements consumed without medical advice. Experts found that many victims of workout-related cardiac arrests had never undergone medical screening, and several were found to be using unsafe substances with harmful effects on the heart and liver.
Indoor air quality in gyms also came under scrutiny, with poor ventilation flagged as a possible contributing factor in health emergencies.
To build safer habits, the advisory recommends:
- regular medical screenings for gym-goers and athletes
- proper warm-up and cool-down routines
- avoidance of steroid-based or uncertified supplements
- elimination of energy drinks from workout regimens
Recognising the critical role of emergency response, the Health Department has also begun training gym users, trainers and athletes across Punjab in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Basic Life Support (BLS). These skills are being taught directly at gyms and sports centres statewide.
“Most cardiac arrests in gyms happen due to preventable mistakes,” said Dr. Bishav Mohan. “Knowing your limits, staying hydrated, resting properly, and screening before beginning heavy workouts can make the difference between life and death.”
PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal called the advisory a “health capsule” distilled from expert consultations, and emphasized that the university’s commitment goes beyond agriculture into community wellness.
Dr. Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor of GADVASU, lauded the interdisciplinary nature of the project, involving experts from cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology and nutrition.
DMCH principal and cardiologist Dr. Gurpreet Singh Wander expressed hope the advisory would be adopted widely.
“We hope this becomes a model across districts and is displayed in every gym, training centre and college in the state,” he said.
As part of the same event, Dr. Singh also inaugurated a newly built gymnasium funded by the state government, signalling a commitment to safe and accessible fitness infrastructure in Punjab.
