Doctors are warning about the dangers of "Weekend Heart Syndrome," a pattern in which people with exhausting weekday schedules try to make up for a sedentary week by cramming high-intensity exercise into Saturday and Sunday alone.
While physical activity is beneficial, doing it without a regular routine can overload the cardiovascular system and raise the risk of serious cardiac events, according to the report.
Why the heart struggles to keep up
The main danger lies in a lack of physical conditioning and gradual adaptation, said cardiologist Dr. Andre Brandao of Kora Saude. He explained that the heart needs a gradual process to adjust to physical effort, and when a sedentary person suddenly pushes their body far beyond its normal demands, it creates a dangerous overload.
Brandao said a common mistake is confusing a momentary feeling of energy with genuine physical conditioning. Many people feel fine while exercising, he said, but may have silent conditions such as arrhythmias or blood pressure changes that only surface under intense physical stress.
Warning signs to watch for
Experts stress that the goal is not to discourage sport but to promote safe practice. A medical evaluation is essential before starting intense training, especially after long periods of inactivity, the report said.
Certain factors call for extra caution, including a family history of heart disease, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, chest pain, unusual shortness of breath, or palpitations during exertion.
Consistency over intensity
For people with demanding jobs who spend long hours sitting, the advice is to focus on consistency rather than occasional bursts of intense effort. Brandao said the heart responds far more positively to regular activity than to isolated spikes of exertion.
Small changes spread across the week, such as short walks, movement breaks and strength exercises, help build a foundation of physical preparation, he said.
The aim, according to the cardiologist, should be building a sustainable routine that balances the enjoyment of physical activity with cardiovascular safety.
