Why even fit sportspersons have heart attacks

These factors may cause heart attacks even among outwardly fit sportspersons.
The untimely death of Australia’s spin wizard Shane Warne sent shock waves throughout the cricket world. The highly popular cricketer had helped his country to win the World Cup and was part of the Australian teams which won the Ashes against England five times in his career. He could weave magic with the cricket ball. Youngsters all over the world tried to copy his bowling action. He was idolised by both young and old and his premature death, at the age of only 52, left his fans in deep shock.
But his tragic death and those of some others including Australia’s Rodney Marsh, India’s Yashpal Sharma and international footballer and coach Subhash Bhowmick bring up an intriguing question. Why do several sportsmen who have led an active and healthy life, with plenty of exercise and controlled diet, have heart attacks by middle age. In this context, it may be recalled that Kapil Dev and Sourav Ganguly also had to undergo angioplasty.
All these players, although retired, were still very active. Kapil Dev is a super fit person. He plays golf and exercises regularly. Sourav is an energetic man who handles several responsibilities with aplomb. Rod Marsh was involved in coaching and selection of teams. New Zealand’s legendary all rounder Sir Richard Hadlee and Sri Lankan star Muralitharan have also suffered from cardiac problems.
Then there are examples of sportsmen who are in the prime of their youth who have developed heart problems. Last year during the Euro football tournament, Danish footballer Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch after suffering cardiac arrest. He was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation and his life was saved because timely medical help was available.
Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas had a similar experience. On 1st May 2019, during the morning training session of Porto club, Casillas was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack at the club’s training ground. Fortunately with medical aid, his situation was stabilized.