Dr. kiskila webA recent study showed that for some individuals, exercise may increase heart risk.*

Starting a new exercise program or sport may be a good idea but if you have had a past injury or problem, are over the age of 40, overweight, previously inactive or have a history of any medical condition such as diabetes or heart problems, you may want to have an exam before starting something new.

Based on your risk factors a doctor may want to ask about your personal and family medical history, assess heart disease risk factors such as cholesterol levels and smoking. Simple blood and urine tests may be obtained and if indicated an exercise stress test. Based on your results, your doctor may make limitations on an exercise regimen. If you have any chest pain or excessive shortness of breath while exercising, stop immediately and call your doctor right away.

*Bouchard C, Blair SN, Church TS, Earnest CP, Hagberg JM, et al. (2012) Adverse Metabolic Response to Regular Exercise: Is It a Rare or Common Occurrence? PLoS ONE 7(5): e37887. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0037887

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