SHAH ALAM – Lately, there's been a worrying rise in sudden deaths during sports.
While these activities are meant to keep us fit and happy, many don’t realise the hidden heart risks that come with going all out without proper checks.
Celebrity doctor Dr Shazril Shaharuddin, better known as Dr Say, has stepped up with an important message for Malaysians, especially men in their 30s and 40s who are rediscovering their love for sports.
"This is what you guys need to do before going all out on the badminton or futsal court, or any other internal sport,” he said in his latest video.
The Crucial Health Check-Up
According to Dr Say, the first step to avoiding tragedy is a simple health check-up.
“Level one, the most basic things you can do at any normal clinic, start with checking your blood pressure, because many people have high blood pressure without realising it,” he said.
He also urged everyone to check their blood sugar and cholesterol levels, two silent threats that can raise the risk of a heart attack.
"Diabetes increases your heart attack risk by two to four times. And 80 per cent of men in Malaysia have high cholesterol but still feel healthy, including myself," he added.
For those aged 35 and above, or with a family history of heart disease, Dr Say recommends a deeper cardiac screening.
“Do an electrocardiogram (ECG) before you play high-intensity sports. You can also go for an exercise stress test or heart ultrasound if your doctor detects anything unusual,” he added.
Pacing Yourself: Don't Relive Your Glory Days
Beyond health checks, Dr Say dropped some real talk about pacing yourself when returning to sports.
He warned that many people make the mistake of trying to perform like they did in their younger days, not realising that age, weight and lifestyle changes affect endurance and heart capacity.
“Don’t jump straight in and go all out. Even if you used to represent your school or state, your 35-year-old body is not the same as your 18-year-old body," he said.
He recommended starting with progressive loading, such as brisk walking, light jogging, or cycling for 20–30 minutes, before moving to bodyweight training like push-ups, squats and planks.
Only after that, he said, should you ease into light, friendly games before going for serious matches.
Service Your Heart Before the Shuttlecock
Dr Say also reminded Malaysians not to let their competitive spirit cloud their judgment when returning to sports after a long break.
He said many people tend to overestimate their stamina and underestimate the strain that intense physical activity can put on the heart, especially after years of a sedentary lifestyle or irregular exercise.
“If you haven’t played sports for a long time, don’t aim to win first, aim to stay alive first.
“Sadly, many men in Malaysia are willing to service a shuttlecock but not willing to ‘service their own heart’," he added.