Before You Begin a Vigorous Exercise Program-Take this Test
Are you planning to participate in vigorous activities and are a man over 40 or a woman over 50? You should receive a medical exam first. The same is true for individuals of any age with two or more coronary artery disease risk factors which include: Age (men over 45 and women over 55), family history of heart attack or sudden death, current cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, physical inactivity. If you're unsure if this applies to you, check with your physician.
More Questions
Now that you've made it through the first questions, there are a few more to answer. A yes to any ONE of the following questions means you should talk with your doctor, by phone or in person, BEFORE you start an exercise program. Explain which questions you answered 'yes' to and the activities you are planning to pursue.
- Have you been told you have a heart condition and should only participate in physical activity recommended by a doctor?
- Do you feel pain (or discomfort) in your chest when you do physical activity? When you are not participating in physical activity? While at rest, do you frequently experience fast, irregular heartbeats or very slow beats?
- Do you ever become dizzy and lose your balance, or lose consciousness? Have you fallen more than twice in the past year (no matter what the reason)?
- Do you have a bone or joint problem that could worsen as a result of physical activity? Do you have pain in your legs or buttocks when you walk?
- Do you take blood pressure or heart medications?
- Do you have any cuts or wounds on your feet that don't seem to heal?
- Have you experienced unexplained weight loss in the past six months?
- Are you aware of any reason why you should not participate in physical activity?
If you answered no to all of these questions, and you passed the first round of questions, you can be reasonably sure that you can safely take part in at least a moderate physical activity program. But again, if you are a man over 40 or a woman over 50 and want to exercise more vigorously, you should check with your physician before getting started.
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