With Navratri come spiritual celebrations, festive feasts and energetic Garba nights that keep people on the dance floor for hours. As the dhol picks up speed, the circle tightens and the energy builds,
it is easy to get caught up in the rhythm and push yourself for one more round.
For a few minutes the body feels unstoppable and it is fun (honestly) and then the heart starts pounding harder than expected — faster, stronger, sometimes harder to ignore. Most of the time this is simply the body responding to vigorous movement, excitement and adrenaline. But how does anyone know when that racing beat is still normal and when it has crossed into something that needs attention?
A faster heartbeat during vigorous dancing is often a normal response to physical activity, excitement and adrenaline. However, not every episode of a racing heart should be brushed off as festive excitement.
We spoke to a cardiologist to understand and recognise the difference between an expected increase in heart rate and symptoms that need medical attention is important, particularly during long evenings of dancing.
Why Your Heart Beat Increases During Garba?
During physical activity, the heart pumps faster to deliver oxygen-rich blood to working muscles. The energetic music, excitement and adrenaline associated with Garba can increase the heart rate further.
According to Dr. Nimit Shah, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, “In healthy individuals the heart rate gradually returns to normal after slowing down or stopping the activity. However, a sudden or unusually rapid heartbeat, one that feels irregular or does not settle with rest should not be ignored.”
Heart palpitations are sensations of a racing, pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat. They can occur after exercise or excitement, but they may also be associated with abnormal heart rhythms and other medical conditions.
When Does A Racing Heart or Exertion Turn Into A Warning Sign?
Dr Shah says, “Prolonged dancing, dehydration, heavy sweating and skipped meals place extra stress on the body. Dehydration can disturb electrolyte balance and contribute to palpitations. People with existing heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes or a history of abnormal rhythms need particular caution. Those who have been largely inactive should also avoid jumping straight into hours of vigorous dancing.”
The key is to pay attention to how you feel, rather than assuming every episode is caused by adrenaline. Stop dancing and seek urgent medical attention if a racing heartbeat is accompanied by chest pain or pressure, severe breathlessness, dizziness, fainting or a feeling that you may pass out.
If someone collapses, is unresponsive and is not breathing normally, call emergency services, begin CPR if you are able and ask someone to get an automated external defibrillator (AED), if available. Do not wait for the person to recover on their own.
People with existing heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes or a history of abnormal heart rhythms should be especially cautious. Those who are not accustomed to regular exercise should also avoid suddenly dancing vigorously for hours.
Sudden cardiac arrest is different from ordinary palpitations. It occurs when the heart abruptly stops pumping blood effectively, causing a person to collapse and become unresponsive. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate action.
Simple Steps That Reduce Risk
A few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of health complications. Dr Shah explains, “Begin with a warm-up and gradually increase the intensity of dancing instead of starting with vigorous movements. Take breaks drink water throughout the evening and avoid dancing continuously for long periods especially in hot and crowded venues. Eat meals get adequate sleep and avoid excessive caffeine or energy drinks which can trigger palpitations in some people. Anyone with a known heart condition should consult their doctor about levels of physical activity before participating in prolonged strenuous dancing.”
If your heart feels like it is racing out of control while playing garba:
- Step off the dance floor: Stop dancing and move to a cooler, well-ventilated area. Do not try to push through the discomfort.
- Rest in a supported position: Sit upright and comfortably, especially if you feel breathless.
- Rehydrate gradually: Loosen tight clothing and sip water. If you have been sweating heavily, an appropriate electrolyte drink may help.
- Breathe slowly: Take gentle, controlled breaths. Do not rely on breathing exercises to treat a persistent or severe episode.
- Know when to seek help: If symptoms do not settle promptly, recur or feel unusual, get medical advice. Chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness or marked dizziness warrant emergency assessment.
Garba is meant to be joyful, not a test of endurance. A racing heart that settles with rest is usually the body’s normal response to activity and excitement. A heart that races irregularly, refuses to slow down, or is accompanied by chest pressure, unusual breathlessness or faintness is a signal to stop and seek help.
When it comes to heart health, pausing to assess is always wiser than pushing through discomfort. Celebrate fully, but listen to the body’s limits.
