Rigorous exercise a factor in Jackson's death?

June 26, 10:50 AMBoston Fitness ExaminerSarah Dussault

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Michael Jackson is dead at the young age of 50.

Michael Jackson is dead at age 50.  Just 2 weeks ago, he was given a physical in which he passed to get insurance on his upcoming 50-stop tour in England.  He was due to have another in just 2 weeks.  His physician was reportedly with him when he went into cardiac arrest, which is the #1 killer of young athletes.  How did this happen?

The autopsy will hopefully reveal what caused his sudden death.  For now there are multiple reports swirling around about demerol, morphine, anorexia, extreme exercise and stress.  Of course all these factors put together will surely cause cardiac arrest which is different from a heart attack (which occurs when blood supply to the heart muscle is blocked and kills sections of the heart tissue itself). 

Simply put, a sudden cardiac arrest occurs when your heart suddenly stops beating.  You drop dead.  Ninety-five percent of people who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest die and it's usually the first sign of any heart condition. 

According to DontDropDead.com:

"While it is possible for one to experience a Sudden Cardiac Arrest without any underlying heart disease, this is highly unusual and pretty much confined to people engaged in recreational drug use or to those who suffer a severe trauma.

Ventricular fibrillation, the primary cause of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, occurs when the heart's pumping centers, the ventricles, begin to beat too fast -- up to 350 beats per minute. Actually, they're not really even beating anymore. They're quivering and totally out of control."

There were reports that Jackson's weight had dropped to 100 lbs.  Dr. Nancy Schneiderman, the chief medical editor for NBC's Today Show, said last night that there were reports of possible anorexia.  Many may remember his sister Janet Jackson suffered for the same disease back in the 90's.  Eating disorders are arguably genetic so this may not be of surprise.  In order to endure the physicality of his upcoming tour, Jackson was also working out a reported 6-hours a day!  This made it seem like he died of rigorous exercise while training for the tour but that is not to say you will do the same.  These additional influence must be in place in order for it to happen to a perfectly healthy human being.

Are you at risk for sudden cardiac arrest?  Know your family history and get yearly physicals.  This is a perfect example of why you should consult your physician before beginning any new fitness program - or why fitness DVD's have to say that at the beginning.  To reduce your chances, eat heart-healthy, lower cholesterol, exercise regularly, control your blood pressure, lose weight, quit smoking, manage stress, relieve depression and avoid or control diabetes. 

While regular exercise prevents cardiac arrest, if you don't exercise rigorously on a regular basis the odds of dropping dead are much higher.  Women have a much lower chance of sudden cardiac arrest than men.  However, don't be scared if you do not currently exercise that a walk will lead to death. 

Sudden cardiac arrest is the number killer for young athletes however, it's usually due to a heart condition that is either genetic or came from an accident in which the chest was hit really hard, like with a baseball.  It is also rare.