Although a heart attack can happen anywhere and at any time of the day, the bathroom can be a dangerous place. According to doctors, certain daily activities like using the toilet or taking a bath play a role in triggering a heart attack. And such a situation occurring in the bathroom can pose many challenges as it is a closed and private place and help may be delayed while you are there.

Why can a heart attack What happened in the bathroom?

Doctors say that in a heart attack, an electrical malfunction occurs in your heart due to an irregular heartbeat. This malfunction can occur when you are bathing, showering, or having a bowel movement as these activities can place stress on your body.

while sitting on the toilet

According to experts, defecation makes you… strain and pressure yourselfAlthough this may not be out of the ordinary, it puts a lot of strain on your heart. And so, if the condition of your heart is not already good, it can lead to a sudden heart attack.

Doctors say the bathroom triggers what are known as vasovagal reactions because the activity puts pressure on your vagus nerve, which slows your heart rate.

while bathing

Bathing in extremely cold or hot water affects your heart rate. Doctors say that your body temperature adjusts in the shower, and this puts a lot of pressure on your arteries and capillaries.

Statistics also say that people who bathe in water above shoulder level have additional risk of high blood pressure or other forms of heart disease.

drug overdose

In some rare cases, an overdose of the drug can cause a sudden heart attack or cardiac arrest, as many people keep their pills in the bathroom cabinet. As you take the medicine and shower, it may speed up your heart activity.

signs and symptoms of heart attack

According to experts, some of the symptoms of a heart attack when you’re in the bathroom include:

• chest pain
• sudden shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• vomit
• difficulty breathing
• unconsciousness

Doctors recommend that if you need medical assistance in the bathroom for any reason, you should seek help despite feeling embarrassed.

Ways to make sure you’re safe

If you are a heart patient, make sure you always take some safety steps and inform your family member or roommate if you are in the bathroom for a certain amount of time. If they knock on the door and you get unresponsive, they should know there is an emergency.

You can also adopt the following safe habits:

• Never immerse yourself in hot water above your chest
• Set a timer or alarm for when you’re in the bathtub
• Do not take very hot baths after taking sleep aids or relaxing medications
• Always keep your phone on the counter within arm’s reach when you’re in the bathroom

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