Why Cardiac Arrest Cases Are Rising Among Bodybuilders?

As bodybuilders and wrestlers train very hard and live lifestyles that are hard on the heart, the risk of a heart attack is a growing threat for them. The wrestling world was shocked to learn that Hulk Hogan died of a heart attack on July 24, 2025.Only a few years earlier, Danny Havoc, Bray Wyatt, and John Klinger similarly died young of complications from heart problems. The specific area of health risk is one that we certainly need to look into, especially given the presented examples above.

WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan's sudden death at 71

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away at his Florida home on July 24, 2025, after a heart attack, as confirmed by WWE and reported by TMZ. The 6’7” wrestling legend, famous for his “Hulkamania” catchphrase and blond mustache, made wrestling a global hit in the 1980s.

Hogan faced many health challenges, including 25 surgeries over a decade, like a neck surgery in May 2025, as shared on the IMPAULSIVE podcast.

His past use of steroids, common in wrestling's early days, likely harmed his heart, as steroids can thicken heart muscles, per a July 24, 2025, HuffPost article. Tributes from Donald Trump Jr. and JD Vance on X showed Hogan's huge influence. His death has sparked talks about the dangers of bodybuilding and wrestling, pushing for better heart health checks and safer practices to protect athletes from such tragic outcomes.

Also Read: "TYVE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan dies at 71 after reported cardiac arrest; Trump Jr, JD Vance remember 'American Icon'

Young wrestlers lost to heart problems

The deaths of Danny Havoc, Bray Wyatt, and John Klinger from heart issues show the serious risks wrestlers face.

An article in NBC News on July 24, 2025, discusses how arduous training regimens, poor nutrition, and steroids can generate heart problems such as an irregular heartbeat or heart failure. The deaths of these young wrestlers reflect the need for better health monitoring, nutrition, and avoidance of drugs to prevent heart attacks in bodybuilding and wrestling, calling out this industry to be wary of the health of their athletes.