Exercising too hard may increase the risk of stroke, reveals study

A new study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has suggested that an increased heart rate while exercising too hard can lead to a stroke in people with blocked carotid arteries.

Carotid arteries are located on both sides of the neck and provide blood flow to the face and the brain.

Published in the journal Physics of Fluid, the team found that nearly 16.5 million (5 per cent) Americans are at risk of carotid artery stenosis. People who smoke, or are obese and follow a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to suffer from the condition.

As per the American Stroke Association, stroke is a leading cause of death among Americans but can be prevented.

Researchers concluded that vigorous exercises may be beneficial for improving the cardiac performance of healthy individuals, however, it may have adverse consequences for patients having arterial blockages.

Also watch: One Indian killed by brain stroke every 4 minutes, according to AIIMS neurologist