If you are engaging in a workout program, or simply enjoy cardiovascular exercise at regular intervals, you probably aren’t aware of how important it is to see a heart doctor regularly for advice. You may even need to go in for a cardiological screening before starting such a regimen.
That being said, if you are in reasonably good health, you shouldn’t delay activity, but you should still keep tabs on your heart if you work out consistently, especially with the fluctuation of your heart rate. Here are some reasons why this is critical.
You May Have Heart Problems you are Unaware of
Traditionally, it is recommended that anyone interested in increasing their physical activity should check in with their doctor intermittently. That is because an overload of moderate or intense exercise can increase cardiac complications or a risk of a heart attack or stroke in those that are not accustomed to that much activity.
Getting a heart check-up with professionals will determine whether or not you have any underlying heart conditions that you may not be aware of that could complicate your workout. This is especially important if you are already showing signs of cardiovascular issues, are overweight or obese, or are over the age of 35.
You May Be Just Starting to Get Active
If you have been sedentary for quite a while, taking on an intense regimen can be way too much for your body all at once. Suppose you are not really an active person and you start an exercise program out of the blue. In that case, you probably should see your doctor if you are having any complications, or simply to get advice before inadvertently causing damage to your heart. If necessary, your physician can refer you to a cardiologist to take some tests. This is especially true if you decide on a high-intensity, high-impact activity like running.
You May Already Have Other Health Issues
If you have prior conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, or kidney disease, you already know that you may be predisposed to heart issues. That means it is more critical for someone like you to get appropriate heart screenings as you exercise to avoid any unwanted complications. It is important to also get checked if you have a family history of these conditions as well as you could have developed these without knowing and cause a flare-up of some kind with extreme exercising.
In conclusion, the rate of having a heart attack or stroke while exercising is very low, but everyone should start slowly and keep track of their cardiac health as they progress. Speaking with a certified trainer will allow you to build your speed, distance, or intensity accordingly. You should also have a conversation with your doctor prior to and during your training.
Written by: Brooke Chaplan
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She highly recommends looking into Desert Cardiovascular Consultants for more information on cardiovascular checks. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
