A Spanish cardiologist has issued key advice following the death of a half marathon runner in Madrid.
The 36-year-old died after collapsing just 500 metres from the finish line near Plaza Cibeles on Sunday.
A nurse performed CPR until the paramedics arrived but he passed away after being transferred to hospital in an ambulance.
A second runner also collapsed from cardiac arrest during the race, on Paseo de Recoletos.
A doctor from the crowd and two members of security performed CPR and managed to recover a pulse before he was taken to hospital. His condition remains serious but he is expected to recover.
Now, leading heart doctor Aurelio Rojas has issued advice to all runners or anyone who likes to exercise.
He said in a TikTok video: ‘Pay attention, I am going to explain which type of people need to play sports in a safe way…
‘First of all, sportspeople aged over 35, especially if you practice an intense sport or if you have returned to sport after a break… this is because the most common cause of death while doing sports after 35 is a heart attack.
‘And remember, the heart does not warn you before failing.’
The expert said people with a family history of fatal heart attacks or deaths from heart-related issues in relatives under the age of 50 should also be aware.
He said this is because many hereditary heart conditions ‘go unnoticed until it is too late.’
Thirdly, Rojas warned of people experiencing symptoms of dizziness, palpitations, pain in the chest, or weakness.
He explained: ‘These symptoms are like an alarm signal that something in your heart could be malfunctioning.’
Finally, among the people who should be most on alert are those who suffer from certain risk factors, including hypertension, high cholesterol (particularly LDL), diabetes or obesity.
He concluded: ‘We all have to exercise to maintain and improve our health, but if you are one of these people, please consult with your doctor as soon as possible.’
