Bathroom activities increase risk for sudden cardiac arrest, say experts

Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, however bathroom activities slightly increases the risk in those having cardiovascular conditions, say experts.

Using the toilet, bathing in either hot or cold water or doing any strenuous activity prior to the shower can cause cardiac arrest, either due to physical strain or sudden changes in the body temperature. 

There have been instances of bath-related deaths, with most cases happening inside a bath tub and victims found immersed or completely submerged under the water. 

As per a study, this is a social problem in Japan where on an average 19,000 bath-related deaths occur annually. The country’s bathing style is often characterized by immersion in hot water up till the shoulder blades.

For people having pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, changes in body temperature can add stress to the heart.

Bathroom activities can increase the risk

If a person with hypertension uses the toilet or urinates, it is instinctive for them to hold their breath. This briefly increases the blood pressure which in turn can stress the heart. 

Then there is a vagus nerve closely involved in regulating the heart rate. Sometimes, defecation can put pressure on the vagus nerve and causes the heart rate to slow down. In rare cases, it can make the person lose consciousness or faint.

Experts suggest in case of a cardiac event, using the toilet should be last on the cards.

Extreme hot or cold water, especially in extreme seasons, can also adversely affect the heart rate. Heat exposure from a hot bath in some literature is beneficial as it causes vasodilation (relaxes arteries and capillaries), causing the blood pressure to drop. However, if the person has an already fluctuating blood pressure, this sudden drop could be more harmful than good. 

On the other hand, bathing in cold water causes vasoconstriction (narrows down the arteries and capillaries), causing the blood pressure to spike and this can put stress on the vascular system. 

Also, a person must avoid taking a shower soon after consuming a sleeping pill or muscle relaxant.

Silent signs of a cardiac arrest

The human heart has an electric rhythm of its own. In the event of an electric malfunction or irregular impulse, this can cause a cardiac arrest. The following are some signs which require prompt medial attention:

• Loss of consciousness

• Fainting

• Gasping for air or breathing heavily

• Absence of pulse.