Additional Health Concerns

There may be conditions that you have not thought of as being possible health concerns when starting an exercise program. The following is a list of health conditions that could cause problems when increasing your physical activity. This is not an all-inclusive list; there may be other conditions not listed here that could also cause problems. If you have any of these health conditions or any other condition that you suspect might cause a problem, you should talk with your doctor prior to increasing your physical activity or taking any field tests that require an increase in the intensity of your physical activity.

• Any type of heart trouble or cardiovascular problems
  • Chest pains, especially with increased physical activity
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Heart or by-pass surgery
  • Heart palpitations
  • Heart murmur
  • Racing or irregular heart beat (while resting or during physical activity)
  • Taking medication for a heart condition
  • High blood pressure or taking medication for hypertension
  • High cholesterol or taking medication to lower cholesterol
  • Family history of heart disease or heart attack
  • Dizziness or fainting spells
  • Ankle edema
  • Intermittent lameness
• Pregnancy (See PARmed-X for Pregnancy)
  • Have not discussed increasing your physical activity with you doctor
  • Previously miscarried
  • Markedly fatigued
  • Spotting
  • Unexplained faintness or dizziness
  • Swelling of hands, ankles, or face
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headaches
  • Swelling, redness, or pain in the calf of one leg
  • Have not felt fetal movement after 6th month of pregnancy
  • Have not gained weight after the 5th month of pregnancy
  • Other pregnancy complications
• Breathing difficulties
  • Asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema
  • Smoker (current or quite for less than 6 months)
  • Allergies
  • Exercise-induced bronchospasms
  • Any physical condition that inhibits breathing
• Bone or joint problems
  • Arthritis or joint swelling
  • Lower back condition
  • Osteoporosis
  • Brittle bones
• Diabetes
  • Diagnosed as having diabetes
  • Experience low blood sugar episodes
  • Taking insulin
• Drug use
  • Using illicit drugs
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Taking prescription drugs that affect heart,
    joints, breathing, or muscles
• Age
  • Male 45 years or older / female 55 years or older
    and unaccustomed to vigorous exercise
• Other
  • Hernia
  • Convulsions
  • Recent concussion
  • Unable to tolerate heat
  • Chronic infection
  • Obesity
  • HIV
  • Cancer
  • Sever anemia
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Renal failure / dialysis dependant

Once you've reviewed this list and cleared up any questions with your doctor, you are ready to take the next step by Starting an Exercise Program.

 

 

Sources:

ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription

Fitness Testing 101

PARmed-X / PARmed-X for Pregnancy

 

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