30-year-old athlete suffers fatal heart attack—could you have seen this coming?
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
"As global participation in bodybuilding increases, and healthcare providers play a more active role in monitoring bodybuilder health, there is a need to identify how numerous factors associated with bodybuilding ultimately influence short- and long-term health and mortality rate." — Sports Medicine study authors
Wanderson da Silva Moreira, age 30, had a suspected heart attack on May 10, 2025 while competing in the annual Pantanal bodybuilding championship. []
Those who were at the competition said he had just finished performing and was leaving the stage when he collapsed. The competitor had allegedly felt unwell earlier in the day but had insisted on competing. It's worth noting he had a history of high blood pressure.
He was treated by an emergency team for over an hour, but was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cardiovascular risks in bodybuilding
Bodybuilding at a competitive level often involves rigorous training regimens, substantial dietary modifications, and, in some cases, the use of performance-enhancing substances.
These factors can collectively impose significant stress on the cardiovascular system.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS): The use of AAS has been linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, myocardial hypertrophy, and arrhythmias. Chronic AAS use may lead to structural and functional cardiac changes, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac events. []
Excessive caloric intake and supplementation: Extreme dietary practices aimed at rapid muscle gain can result in metabolic disturbances. High protein diets, combined with supplements, may affect renal function and electrolyte balance, potentially contributing to cardiac arrhythmias. []
Dehydration and diuretics: To achieve a lean appearance, some bodybuilders use diuretics, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can precipitate cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. []
Why a heart attack at 30 is (still) rare
In the general population, myocardial infarction (MI) under age 40 is uncommon—accounting for 20% of all heart attacks. [] When it does occur, it's typically associated with:
Strong familial hypercholesterolemia
Type 1 diabetes
Smoking and uncontrolled hypertension
Stimulant use (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines)
Kawasaki disease sequelae or early atherosclerosis
Even in those with clear risk factors, most physicians don’t counsel young adults—let alone athletes—on MI prevention.
It’s often seen as a problem for "later decades." But recent reports suggest that cases like da Silva Moreira's may no longer be so isolated.
Clinical implications and recommendations
Pre-participation screening: Implement comprehensive cardiovascular evaluations for athletes engaging in high-intensity bodybuilding. This should include ECGs, echocardiograms, and assessments for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or other structural heart diseases.
Education on substance use: Provide counseling on the risks associated with AAS and other performance-enhancing drugs. Highlight the potential for long-term cardiovascular complications and the importance of natural training methods.
Monitoring and follow-up: Establish regular health check-ups focusing on cardiovascular health, renal function, and metabolic parameters. Early detection of abnormalities can facilitate timely interventions.
Emergency preparedness: Ensure that competitive events have immediate access to medical personnel and equipment, including automated external defibrillators (AEDs), to respond promptly to cardiac emergencies.
The takeaway
The tragic incident of a bodybuilder's sudden death during competition serves as a stark reminder of the potential health risks inherent in extreme bodybuilding practices.
Healthcare providers must remain vigilant, promoting safe training protocols, discouraging harmful substance use, and ensuring regular medical evaluations to safeguard the health of athletes in this demanding sport.
Related: Here’s what physicians need to know about sudden cardiac death