The hidden heart risks in esports

KUALA LUMPUR: While esports may not seem physically demanding, prolonged sitting combined with the stress of high-stakes competition can take a toll on the body, including the heart.

Dr Azmee Ghazi, head of cardiology and director of sports cardiology at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), highlights some of the warning signs players should watch for, and how they can better protect their heart health.

According to Azmee, heart-related conditions associated with this type of lifestyle include hypertension and cardiomyopathy.

“This lifestyle can also contribute to coronary artery disease, which is caused by atherosclerosis – a build-up of plaque in the arteries,” he said.

“Another problem patients can develop is arrhythmia, which causes a fast or irregular heart rate and can lead to multiple complications.”

Warning signs to watch out for include chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness and dizziness. Those who experience any of these should seek medical attention early to prevent more serious complications from developing, including heart failure.

“Once patients develop heart failure, it becomes very difficult to treat and recovery may be limited. They may also require extensive treatment. The goal is to prevent heart failure from occurring in the first place,” Azmee stressed.

These risks are particularly relevant for professional esports players, whose schedules often involve long hours of gaming.

Muhammad Haqqullah Ahmad Shahrul Zaman from the Selangor Red Giants Esports team helped shed further light on this lifestyle. Better known as Sekys, he spends around seven hours a day gaming, six days a week.

The 20-year-old admits he occasionally feels his heart racing during matches. At times, lack of sleep has also left him short of breath, prompting him to become more mindful about his health.

“I underestimated the physical toll when I first started playing ‘Mobile Legends’ because I was still young. At that time, I felt like I could do anything. I could stay up late and go two days without sleep just to play a game,” he said.

To stay on top of their health, Azmee recommends that esports players undergo annual health screenings that include a physical examination, blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), a chest X-ray and, in some cases, a stress test.

If abnormalities are detected, specialised investigations such as an angiogram, a computed tomography (CT) scan or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required.

Fortunately, protecting heart health does not require drastic measures. Simple habits can make a meaningful difference, including taking regular breaks from sitting, limiting caffeine and sugary drinks, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.

Echoing this, Sekys said heart health is something esports players cannot afford to overlook.

“Heart health is very important for an esports career. We know that an esports career is short-term – you don’t want to make it even shorter,” he said.

“So, it’s really important to take care of your health, especially your heart, to make sure you can maximise your journey and play until you need to retire.”

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