Question

Why is it potentially dangerous for a person with heart disease to lift heavy objects while holding his or her breath (i.e. compressing the thorax)? Explain in detail why the heart would be placed under stress, and how it would normally be resolved.

Answer 1

Well, when you're lifting an heavy object, blood starts rushing throughout your body causing your heart to beat faster; at the same time when you hold your breath your heartbeat slows; this may cause the heart to go under stress.
The why hold breath?: It is necessary to hold breath while lifting heavy objects as the pressure might build up in the stomach pushing out undigested food and gastric acids.
Hope you find this answer helpful.

Answer 2

@fflloowweerrchilldd



Increase in pressure can put a strain on the heart muscle, leading to heart failure.
Ref: http://patient.info/health/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis-leaflet