Runner Dies During Trail Run, Beware Of Risks And How To Prevent Fatal Events At Running Events

JAKARTA - The public's interest in sporting events such as running has been getting higher in recent years. Starting from fun runs to ultra trails in the mountains, thousands of people compete to experience challenging physical and mental experiences.

This trend is clearly positive, sports are healthy. However, behind the spirit of completing the race and chasing medals, there are serious health risks that are often neglected.

As was the case of the death of two runners in the Lawu Ultra event recently, it is a reminder that weight sports cannot rely solely on will and stamina.

There are health aspects that must be ensured first before someone decides to participate in sports events, especially those with severe intensity.

According to Dr. dr. Birry Karim, Sp.PD-KKV, Cardiovascular Specialist Doctor from Medistra Hospital, many sports event participants are too focused on physical targets without understanding their body limits.

He said that the human body actually gives signs or alarms when it is not ready to face strenuous physical activity, unfortunately, many people choose to ignore it.

"In running events, participants often force themselves even though the body has given a signal. This is very dangerous, because in some cases, undetected conditions can end fatally," he explained in the Health Talk Controlling LDL, Preventing Heart Disease at Medistra Hospital, Jakarta, recently.

Dr. Birry emphasized that physical and health preparation is very important, especially for participants over 40 years of age or those who have certain risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, or a history of heart disease in the family.

He mentioned that some people feel healthy because they do not have complaints, even though internally their bodies are in a risky condition. One of the most neglected conditions is the high level of LDL cholesterol.

This type of cholesterol is known as a silent killer because it does not cause symptoms, but can cause narrowing of blood vessels that increase the risk of heart attacks, especially when the body is forced to work harder in intense exercise.

"Because there are no symptoms, many think they are fine. In fact, high LDL can trigger heart attacks during severe physical activities such as long-distance running," he added.

Before participating in heavy sporting events, health checks such as medical check-ups, complete cholesterol tests, blood pressure, blood sugar, to heart tests such as treadmill tests or CT heart scans can help assess whether the body is quite ready.

If the results of the examination show that the body's function is in good condition, exercise can be done more safely. Therefore, the most important thing before participating in intense sporting events is to recognize your own body and know your own health condition accurately.