Resuming your physical exercise routine is an important step towards health. However, experts warn that, before returning to training, especially after a period of sedentary lifestyle, illness or changes in lifestyle, it is important to carry out a cardiological evaluation.
The objective is to ensure that the heart is prepared for effort and reduce risks during sports.
The Brazilian Society of Cardiology and the American Heart Association state that routine cardiovascular assessment can identify silent conditions and guide safe training intensity.
“During exercise, the heart works harder. The heart rate rises, the pressure can increase and the heart muscle needs more oxygen. If there is an illness that is still silent, such as an obstruction in the coronary arteries or an arrhythmia, this increase in demand may be the moment when it appears. So, the assessment serves to make the return safer, guide the initial intensity and identify those who need additional investigation before starting”, explains Rosangeles Konrad, professor of cardiology at Afya Brasília.
Below, experts point out five reasons to see a cardiologist before resuming exercise. Look!
Heart attack prevention
The sudden increase in oxygen demand during training requires that the coronary arteries are unobstructed. People who have risk factors, such as high cholesterol, smoking or family history, may have undiagnosed fatty plaques.
Physical exertion can cause one of these plaques to rupture, resulting in an acute myocardial infarction. Stress testing (ergometric testing) is the standard tool for observing how the heart reacts under pressure.
“Some groups deserve more attention, such as sedentary people who want to start intense activity, men over 40, women over 50, those who have hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity or a family history of early heart disease. It is also important for those who have already had a heart attack, arrhythmia, heart failure or any valvular disease. In these cases, the assessment helps to define which type of exercise is safest and which intensity makes sense at that moment”, adds Konrad.
Detect silent heart disease
Some heart diseases do not present clear symptoms in everyday life, but can manifest themselves during physical exertion. Problems such as arrhythmias, structural changes in the heart or blockages in the arteries can go unnoticed for years.
Simple tests, such as an electrocardiogram and exercise testing, help identify these changes and reduce the risk of complications during exercise.
“In relation to structural changes, we have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is the main cause of sudden death in young athletes, congenital coronary anomalies, people who are born with their heart arteries in different places than usual and valve problems”, explains Marcelo Bergamo, cardiologist.
Identify cardiovascular risk factors
Hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and a family history of heart disease are factors that increase the risk of problems during pregnancy.
According to experts, a cardiological check-up makes it possible to map these factors and establish prevention strategies before starting an exercise program.
“Pain or pressure in the chest, shortness of breath disproportionate to physical exertion, palpitations or irregular heartbeats, dizziness or fainting, especially when it occurs during exertion, recent excessive fatigue, recent onset and swelling in the legs are some signs that deserve attention. They require a cardiological evaluation before any more intense physical exertion”, adds Bergamo.
Assess risks after long periods of inactivity
Anyone who has spent months or years without exercising may experience a reduction in . In this case, returning directly to intense training can overload the body.
Medical evaluation helps to determine safe limits for heart rate, intensity and progression of training, avoiding overload on the heart.
Furthermore, after viral infections or periods of recovery from illness, the heart may experience inflammation or temporary changes. In some cases, intense exercise at this time can worsen the condition.
Therefore, medical clearance is recommended especially when there are symptoms such as excessive tiredness, shortness of breath or palpitations after an illness.
Personalize training more safely
Cardiological evaluation is not only used to identify problems, it also helps to create a health plan.
Based on exams and clinical history, the doctor can advise the ideal effort, training frequency and type of activity best suited for each person.
