A 35-year-old bodybuilder has faced numerous hospitalizations, revealing the cause to be drinking cold water after workouts. Franklin Aribeana Hospitalized, the individual in question, shared his ordeal with heart Failure related issues linked to post-workout hydration.
Franklin Aribeana is an active participant in the IFBB Pro League, notably competing in the Men’s Physique category. In recent competitions, he secured seventh place at the Legion Sports Fest Pro and ranked twelfth at the San Francisco Championship in 2022.
Presently, Aribeana grapples with an irregular heartbeat and an enlarged heart. Upon consuming water post-exercise, he experiences a powerful thudding sensation in his chest, sometimes leading to loss of consciousness. Medical intervention involved severing the connection between his vagus nerve and his heart to address the condition.
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Aribeana Bodybuilder’s Hospitalized as Heart Failure Tied to Cold Water Intake After Exercise
Franklin Aribeana revealed that consuming cold water would consistently trigger a pounding sensation in his chest, causing his heart rate to accelerate rapidly and resulting in episodes of fainting.
“I’d take a gulp of cold water. As I’m settling back down, I feel the double thud,” bodybuilder Franklin Aribeana, 35, told ABC News of his heart-related hydrophobia.
“It’s a day I’ll never forget,” recalled Aribeana, who shared that he felt a “noticeable thud” while drinking water.
Admitting that the situation has spiraled out of control, he acknowledges struggling with severe heart palpitations.
“I took a sip of cold water, and the next thing you know, literally palpitations out of my chest,” he recalled. “They took off my shirt, and you could see my heart literally pounding out of my chest, and then I passed out.”
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This phenomenon is known as the ‘diving reflex.’ It slows down the heart rate to conserve oxygen. Blood vessels in the hands and feet tighten to prioritize blood flow to vital organs. These effects usually fade once out of cold water.
For individuals with underlying medical conditions, this reflex can be problematic. It may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting. It could also result in irregular heartbeats. Aribeana first experienced this at 18 years old in 2007 and has faced several close calls since then.
This rare condition, affecting fewer than one in 2,500 people in the US, has garnered attention from doctors. Fortunately, Aribeana has been able to resume training and drinking cold water post-workout with medical intervention.
“Franklin is a phenomenal individual!” stated Dr. Hematpour. “He’s got a lot of drive! He was very much on top of his treatment.”
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Recovery
Having fully recovered, Aribeana remains vigilant about his health. He now requires daily medication to manage his genetic heart issues. The doctor noted that while Aribeana’s symptoms would typically be minor, his predisposition to heart-related problems caused intense reactions to cold water.
Despite its rarity, Aribeana’s health has shown steady improvement. Fans eagerly anticipate his continued success in the Men’s Physique category, hoping that he can compete without the fear of cold water-induced issues.
Overview
Franklin Aribeana, a 35-year-old bodybuilder, has experienced numerous hospitalizations due to heart problems triggered by drinking cold water post-workout. Also, despite his success in the Men’s Physique category of the IFBB Pro League, he battles with an irregular heartbeat and an enlarged heart. Furthermore, Medical intervention involved severing the connection between his vagus nerve and his heart to alleviate the condition. Aribeana’s experience emphasizes the potential risks of post-exercise hydration and highlights the importance of awareness and proper medical management in competitive sports.
Featured Image @ifbbpro_frank (Instagram)
