Varinder Singh Ghuman’s death: Five bodybuilders, some as young as 19, died in a year. Experts warn on extreme workouts

The shocking end of India’s bodybuilding icon
According to the information obtained, Ghuman, a resident of Jalandhar, went to Amritsar for a minor operation at Fortis Hospital. He left home alone, hoping to return the same day. However, he had a heart attack around 17:00 during treatment and could not be revived. The news of his death caused great sadness among fans and the fitness community.
Ghuman, who held the title of Mr India and worked alongside Salman Khan in Tiger 3, was among India’s most well-known fitness icons. Known for his muscular build and vegetarian lifestyle, he was also appointed by Arnold Schwarzenegger as the brand ambassador for his fitness line in Asia.
An alarming situation in the world of bodybuilding
Ghuman’s death comes amid a series of sudden deaths involving leading bodybuilders around the world, sparking concerns about heart-related risks linked to overtraining and performance pressure.
In August 2024, 27-year-old Brazilian athlete Antônio Souza collapsed on stage during the Open Bodybuilding Championships and died of a heart attack despite immediate medical attention.
Just a month later, Belarusian social media influencer Illia “Mutant” Yefimchyk, known for her massive 340-pound body, suffered a heart attack at the age of 36. In another case, 19-year-old Brazilian contestant Matheus Pavlak was found dead in his home in September 2024, with reports suggesting that he had suffered a heart attack. In November 2024, José Mateus Correia Silva, also from Brazil, died. During a training session due to heart failure.
Medical experts have observed an alarming rise in such cases in the last two years; This condition is often attributed to a combination of excessive training intensity, dietary supplements, dehydration and, in some cases, uncontrolled steroid use.
Why can excessive exercise strain the heart?
While regular exercise is beneficial, cardiologists warn that excessive or high-intensity exercise can put serious stress on the cardiovascular system.
According to medical experts, excessive endurance or resistance training can sometimes lead to thickening of the heart muscle or irregular heart rhythms, especially in athletes with pre-existing or undiagnosed heart conditions.
Studies of long-distance runners and elite bodybuilders have shown temporary signs of heart strain that, if repeated over time, can cause permanent changes. Experts say that when training loads are excessive or rest periods are neglected, the body’s recovery systems can become overloaded.
Finding the balance: Expert security advice
The American Heart Association continues to recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming or cycling, which increases the heart rate but still allows for normal conversation.
For professional athletes, doctors recommend regular heart screenings, especially if they are experiencing symptoms such as chest tightness, unusual fatigue, or shortness of breath. Sports cardiologists also recommend that individuals with known heart conditions seek medical clearance before changing their fitness regimen.
Remembering Varinder Singh Ghuman
Varinder Singh Ghuman’s sudden death has brought renewed attention to the pressures of professional bodybuilding – a sport that requires peak physical performance but often pushes the human body to its limits.
Fans continue to flood social media with tributes, remembering him as a pioneer who proved that strength, discipline and vegetarianism could co-exist. His legacy is both an inspiration and a reminder of the importance of striking a balance between ambition and health.




