Exercise Danger Signs

Regular exercise can help you feel better, have more energy, lose weight, sleep better and even live longer. But when you are starting an exercise program you should heed the warning to check with your doctor to see if it is safe for you to exercise, especially if you have health limitations. Knowing the danger signs of exercising can help you prevent overexertion or even a heart attack.

Exercise Can Reverse Many Health Disorders

Exercise, under your physician's care, can help to reverse or lessen the severity of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, depression and diabetes. Exercise is healthy and necessary for a healthy body and a long life. In some instances, though, exercise can be harmful if you do not pay attention to your bodies warning signs to stop or slow down.

Monitor Your Exertion

You should constantly monitor your perceived exertion while you exercise. According to the American Council on Exercise, "During aerobic activities, perceived effort is a combination of sensory input from muscles, joints, breathing rate and heart rate." Ask yourself these questions: Do you feel like you have a lot of energy or do you feel exhausted? How do your muscles and joints feel? How is your breathing--are you able to breathe without gasping? How is your heart rate? Your heart should be beating fast, but not racing out of control. You should be able to hold a conversation with someone while you exercise. If you can't--slow down or stop until you get your breath back.

Heat Exhaustion and Stroke

Exercising during warm weather can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion and a low body temperature. Heat stroke has the same symptoms as heat exhaustion but in addition, you are thirsty, your muscles start cramping, you stop sweating and your temperature is dangerously high. Drinking plenty of water can help you avoid both heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you do find yourself in a situation where you have heat exhaustion or stroke; go to a shady or indoors area, remove tight or warm clothing, apply cool compresses, fan yourself to promote sweating. Monitor your body temperature and notify emergency help if your temperature does not go down.

Heart Attacks

Heart attacks during exercise can occur if you have a known problem with your heart or even a problem that you are not aware of. If you feel discomfort in your upper body, including the chest, arms, neck or jaw while you exercise it could be a sign that you are overexerting yourself or having a heart attack. If you feel a tightening in your chest that moves to your left shoulder, back or jaw, stop exercising. Other symptoms that signal danger of a heart attack include; lightheadedness, dizziness, confusion, extreme fatigue during and after exercise, cold sweat, fainting, extreme shortness of breath and a fast or uneven heart beat.

Call 9-1-1 or Your Doctor

According to the American Heart Association, "If you notice these signs during or after physical activity, stop and call your doctor right away. If you have angina that doesn't go away immediately with rest, take nitroglycerin if you have it. If your angina lasts for more than five minutes, or if you also have other symptoms such as nausea and sweating, call 9-1-1 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room. You may be having a heart attack."

References

• American Heart Association
• How To Tell If you Are Exercising Enough
• Frequently Asked Questions Exercise

Resources

• American Council On Exercise