A heart attack also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked. Every year, about 805,000 people in the United States have a heart attack. Of these, 605,000 are a first heart attack. 200,000 happen to people who have already had a heart attack.
Heart attack is a life-threatening medical emergency and the longer this goes on without treatment, the more damage to the heart that can happen. Studies have found that survival rates for people hospitalized for heart attacks are approximately 90%2 to 97%.
According to the CDC, several health conditions, your lifestyle, and your age and family history can increase your risk for heart disease and heart attack. These are called risk factors. About half of all Americans have at least one of the three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking. Some risk factors cannot be controlled, such as your age or family history. But you can take steps to lower your risk by changing the factors you can control.
What is Pre Workout and How does it work?
Pre-workout supplements — sometimes referred to as “pre-workouts” — are multi-ingredient dietary formulas designed to boost your energy and athletic performance. They’re typically powdered substances that you mix into water and drink before exercise. While countless formulas exist, there’s little consistency in terms of ingredients. Amino acids, beta-alanine, caffeine, creatine, and artificial sweeteners are often included, but quantities of these vary widely depending on the brand. Plus, some products may not have been tested for quality or purity.
How are pre-workout supplements taken?
Most pre-workout products include instructions for how to take them. While you should follow these instructions, it’s not a bad idea to start with a smaller serving so you can assess your tolerance — especially if the supplement includes caffeine or beta-alanine. Remember, if the supplement provides beta-alanine, don’t be surprised if you notice a tingling sensation. It’s completely harmless, but some individuals may find it uncomfortable.
Most pre-workouts are directed to be taken with 4-10oz of water at least 30-45 minutes before your workout. This allows enough time for the ingredients to reach your bloodstream and kick in. Lastly, if your pre-workout contains caffeine or other stimulants, consider the time of day that you take it since it may disrupt your ability to fall asleep.
What is dry scooping?
Dry scooping is a trend of consuming caffeinated pre-workout powder without diluting it in water. A majority of TikTok videos show pre-workout supplements being used incorrectly, including by dry scooping. The trend can increase the risk of serious side effects or caffeine overdose.
Why are people dry scooping?
A “dry scooping challenge” encouraging people to post videos of themselves taking dry powder was trending on social media. But, why? The theory is based on the logic that a concentrated dose of pre-workout protein delivers the positive effects faster and stronger, but the science around this is patchy. What is clear, though, is that the practice comes with serious risks.
Does Dry Scooping Pre-Workout Cause Heart Attack?
Yes, dry scooping pre-workout can cause a heart attack because caffeine overdose typically causes ventricular fibrillation which can result in a heart attack. This condition happens when the lower chambers of the heart vibrate rather than contract regularly. Ventricular fibrillation stops the heart from beating normally and causes cardiac arrest.
Caffeine is usually the main ingredient in pre-workouts. It’s quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and may help athletes perform harder and for longer. However, when a large amount of caffeine is released into the bloodstream at once, many things can go wrong and a heart attack is a very likely possibility when dry scooping pre-workout.
In April 2021, a 20-year-old who tried dry scooping after seeing it touted on TikTok later posted a video on the social media platform from her hospital bed saying she was treated for a heart attack. (She survived.)
The use of TikTok to promote dry scooping is cause for concern given its reach among teens. “This may mislead millions of impressionable minors into improper use of pre-workout, which could lead to respiratory or cardiovascular distress and/or death,” according to a study presented at the 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition.
What are the possible side effects of pre-workout?
Studies into people who regularly consume pre-workout found that 54% of participants reported side effects, including:
- Abdominal pain.
- Heart abnormalities
- Nausea
- Paraesthesia
- Significantly raise heart rate
- Skin reactions
- Small blood vessel dilation
- Stomach upset
- Water retention.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Conclusion
Do not learn how to dry scoop pre-workout because dry scooping pre-workout is bad and can send you to the ER with potentially deadly consequences. You may also find useful information on Can You Snort Pre Workout?
