Health experts on 2 May warned gym goers, especially those in their mid-30s and 40s, should get themselves properly evaluated by doctors before beginning their exercise regimen, as sudden heart attacks returned in India.

The tragic news has raised fresh concerns over the fatal disease, which soared significantly in the country post the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Whenever we start gymming/exercise, it should be a gradual onset, the duration should be staggered, should initially be less and then and gradually be increased to match the person’s tolerance level," said Dr Manish Aggarwal, Senior Consultant and head of interventional cardiology.

He noted that a doctor's assessment can warn of any risk factor for coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, strong family history of heart disease, which can help avert any untoward incidents.

Tobacco smoking, unhealthy lifestyle with increased intake of junk foods rich in salt, sugar, and unhealthy oils, and zero exercise are some of the major risk factors for the increasing heart attack cases in the country.

While heart attacks have been occurring for a long, the COVID-19 virus as well as the vaccine have been speculated as a risk factor.

The deaths also come amid reports of British pharma giant AstraZeneca admitting that its COVID vaccine, developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford, and sold as Covishield in India, can raise the risk of blood clots.

Blood clots, which narrow the arteries leading to the heart, can cause a heart attack.