Risks of Physical Activity

In general, the benefits of regular physical activity far outweigh risks to the heart and lungs.

Rarely, heart problems, such as arrhythmia (ah-RITH-me-ah), sudden cardiac arrest, or heart attack, occur during physical activity. These events generally happen to people who already have heart conditions.

In youth and young adults, the risk for heart problems due to physical activity is higher in people who have underlying congenital (kon-JEN-i-tal) heart problems. These are heart problems that have been present since birth.

Congenital heart problems include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (KAR-de-o-mi-OP-a-the), congenital heart defects, and myocarditis (MI-o-KAR-di-tis; inflammation of the heart muscle). People who have these conditions should talk to their doctors about which physical activities are safe for them.

In middle-aged and older adults, the risk for heart problems due to physical activity is related to coronary heart disease (CHD). People who already have CHD are more likely to have a heart attack when they're exercising vigorously than when they're not.

The risk for heart problems due to physical activity is related to your fitness level and the intensity of the activity you're doing. For example, someone who doesn't do physical activity regularly is at higher risk for heart attack during vigorous activity than a person who is physically fit and regularly active.

If you have a heart problem or chronic (ongoing) disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about what types of physical activity are safe for you. You also should talk to your doctor about safe physical activities if you have symptoms such as chest pain or dizziness.

Discuss ways that you can slowly and safely build physical activity into your daily routine. (For more information, see "Getting Started and Staying Active.")