In a heartbreaking incident, Ariatna Lizeth Mata Esparza, a 22-year-old nursery teacher and TikTok fitness enthusiast, collapsed and died while performing barbell squats at a gym in Torreón, Mexico. The young woman, who often shared her workout routines on social media, suffered from a lack of oxygen, leading to a stroke and blood clots.
What Happened During the Tragic Incident?
According to reports, Ariatna was working out at her local gym when she suddenly collapsed while doing barbell squats. Paramedics were called to the scene but were unable to revive her. She was pronounced dead, with the cause of death being anoxemia, possibly due to overexertion.
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Anoxemia: The Underlying Cause
Anoxemia refers to a deficiency in the amount of oxygen in the arterial blood. It can be exacerbated by extreme physical effort, which suggests that Ariatna may have collapsed because she was squatting too much weight. The Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology explains that anoxemia can lead to reduced oxygen availability, particularly in the brain’s medial temporal lobe and limbic structures.
Causes of Anoxemia
Anoxemia can occur due to various reasons, including:
- High altitudes, where the air has less oxygen
- Lung diseases that impair oxygen transfer, such as pneumonia or emphysema
- Heart diseases that reduce oxygen delivery to the lungs
- Severe anemia, where the blood has a reduced ability to carry oxygen
- Shock states, where inadequate oxygen reaches the mitochondria in vascular smooth muscle cells
Effects of Anoxemia
Anoxemia can have several effects on the body, particularly on the brain:
- It may contribute to the development of certain “degenerative diseases” whose causes are not well-understood
- It can lead to necrosis (death) of cerebral gray matter
- It may be a significant factor in the causation of epilepsy
- It can cause irreversible shock when mitochondria in vascular smooth muscle cells become non-functional due to severe hypoxia
Lightheadedness During Exercise
Passing out or feeling lightheaded during a workout is not uncommon, according to an article from Mass General Brigham. Caroline Schepker, DO, a sports medicine physiatrist, explains that when we exercise, we can sometimes neglect to take good, deep breaths due to being short of breath and very engaged in what we’re doing. She also mentions that many people tend to use the wrong muscles to take deep breaths or may hold their breath during periods of intense exertion.
Underlying Health Issues
However, there are underlying issues that can cause lightheadedness during exercise, such as cardiovascular issues, low blood sugar, neurological conditions, working out in a hot environment, or undiagnosed infections. If you experience an episode of lightheadedness during a workout, it’s crucial to speak to your primary care physician.
Remembering Ariatna
Ariatna’s passing has left her loved ones and the fitness community in mourning. Her mother, Selene Esparza, expressed her grief on social media, writing, “My princess, my girl, you’ve gone and left us with empty souls and shattered hearts.” Ariatna was an animal lover who often shared posts about dogs available for adoption, and her last social media post reflected her kind spirit.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Ariatna Lizeth Mata Esparza serves as a reminder of the importance of proper exercise techniques, listening to our bodies, and seeking medical advice when necessary. While working out can be a source of joy and health, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and be aware of potential risks. Ariatna’s memory will live on through the positive impact she had on those around her and the fitness community she was a part of.
