Before I start being more physically active, should I check with my doctor?

Although moderate* physical activity is safe for most people, you should check with your doctor if you answer yes to any of the questions below.

• Has a doctor told you that you have a heart condition?
• Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?
• Have you had chest pain at any time during the past month?
• Do you have diabetes?
• Have you lost your balance because of dizziness or lost consciousness?
• Do you have bone or joint problems made worse by physical activity?
• Do you take prescription drugs for high blood pressure or a heart condition?
• Do you have other medical reasons not to be physically active?

*Moderate activities cause a slight-to-moderate increase in breathing or heart rate or may cause light sweating. Examples of moderate activities include walking, yard work, house cleaning, or bicycling.

If you plan to exercise at a vigorous** level, check with your doctor first if you answer yes to any of the following questions.

• Are you a man age 45 or older, or a women age 55 or older?
• Do you have heart or blood vessel disease, lung disease, asthma, thyroid disorder, or kidney disease?
• Do you have two or more of the following risk factors:
  -- Family history of heart disease
  -- Currently smoke cigarettes
  -- Are 30 pounds or more overweight
  -- Are not currently physically active
  -- Have high cholesterol
  -- Have high blood pressure
  -- Have diabetes

**Vigorous activities cause heavy sweating or large increases in breathing or heart rate. Examples of vigorous activities include aerobics or jogging.

More topics

How much physical activity should I strive for?
How do I start to become more physically active?
What counts as physical activity?
Overcoming roadblocks to increasing physical activity