Most people spend an average of 30 minutes in the bathroom each day, which is quite normal. However, what’s surprising is the disproportionately high rate of heart attacks and cardiac arrests that occur during that period of time.

The critical aspect of heart problems is their time sensitivity. When a person receives treatment within minutes, cardiac arrest can be reversed. However, because bathrooms are private spaces, detection and resuscitation are often delayed, leading to poor outcomes. One expert notes that the frequency of collapse is 8 percent, with a mere 13 percent chance of revival.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

It's essential to distinguish between cardiac arrest, heart attack, and heart failure, as they are often mistakenly used interchangeably, despite being different conditions.

• Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. This halts the flow of oxygenated blood to vital organs, leading to a collapse and, if untreated, death.

• Heart attack happens when a part of the heart doesn’t receive enough oxygenated blood, usually due to a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the heart.

• Heart failure is a chronic condition that develops after the heart has been weakened or damaged, preventing it from pumping blood effectively to meet the body’s needs.

Why Do Cardiac Arrests Happen in the Bathroom?

A cardiac arrest is more likely when you're bathing, showering, or even having a bowel movement due to the physical strain these activities can place on your body.

1. Being Constipated is Bad for Your Heart

Chronic constipation has been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and sudden cardiac death.

When you’re constipated, you may instinctively perform the Valsalva maneuver to relieve yourself. This involves straining and increasing abdominal pressure to push out stools. While common, this can be dangerous for individuals with heart problems. The strain increases chest pressure, reducing blood flow to the heart and slowing its pumping. This can decrease blood supply to the brain, potentially causing fainting.

Fainting causes the body to suddenly relax, which can increase blood pressure sharply and lead to strokes or even heart attacks in some cases. If your heart function is already compromised, this straining can trigger a life-threatening event like cardiac arrest or stroke.

2. Choosing the Wrong Temperature

Taking a shower with water that is too cold (below 70°F) or too hot (above 112°F) can quickly affect your heart rate, putting stress on your arteries and capillaries.

While a warm bath can be soothing after a long day, hot water can trigger cardiac events, especially in individuals with preexisting cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease. It’s important to avoid excessively hot showers, particularly if you’ve taken medications like sleep aids or relaxants.

3. Mistaking the Correct Dosage

Mistakes in medication dosages can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Many people store their prescriptions in bathroom medicine cabinets, which may increase the risk of taking incorrect doses in a rushed environment. This oversight can be fatal, particularly if it involves medications that affect heart function.

4. Slipping in the Bathroom

Bathrooms are typically wet and have slippery surfaces, often coupled with sharp edges that pose additional risks. When elderly or frail individuals slip, they may hit their heads, leading to fainting or brain hemorrhaging (subdural hemorrhage).

Although fainting itself might not cause cardiac arrest, it can be just as dangerous if help is not available. To reduce the risk, consider using bath mats with suction cups to cover slippery surfaces and set up a safety check-in system with a family member if you tend to stay in the bathroom for extended periods.

Prevention Tips

• Use bath mats with suction cups to prevent slipping.

• If you have a cardiovascular condition, avoid extreme water temperatures.

• Keep medication bottles in places that encourage careful reading of dosages, like the kitchen or bedroom.

• Ensure someone is available to check on you after you've been in the bathroom for a long time.

By being mindful of these risks and taking preventive measures, you can minimize the chances of heart problems occurring while in the bathroom.