Q: We are always being told to get more exercise but my doctor has told me that I have to be careful about what type of exercise I do because I have a heart condition. For example, he said I should not swim in deep water and I should not swim at all unless someone is swimming next to me. Can you elaborate on reasons why some people should not exercise?
A: I do not know what type of heart condition you have so I cannot be specific.
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Certain heart rhythm abnorm-alities can sometimes cause a sudden onset of a fast pulse rate, which
can sometimes make the sufferer black out and become unconscious. Exercise may provoke this occurr-ence.
An irregular heartbeat may be due to atrial fibrillation. With this problem, the pulse has an irregular-ity. In other types of heart disease, extra ventricular beats may feel like skipped beats when feeling the pulse. If you have either of those situations, it is best to check with your doctor or cardiologist before starting an exercise program.
Following a heart attack, exercise is often recommended to get the muscles of the heart back in shape, but not for a week or two following the attack, and not in some situations where the heart has suffered too much irreversible damage. A cardiac stress test will help the doctor decide what level of exercise is safe for you.
When is exercise not safe? If you have any pain or discomfort in the chest, stomach, back, neck, jaw or arms, then stop.
Even a mild pain can indicate a lack of blood flow to the heart, known as ischemia. Sudden, unexplained shortness of breath indicates another type of problem and you should see a doctor immediately.
If you feel dizzy or faint, lie down and check your pulse. If it is irregular, then arrange to see your doctor again. Nausea during exercise also indicates that you are overdoing it. Lie down and rest.
What other times is exercising not recommended? If you have flu or any other kind of viral infection that makes you feel unwell and have a fever, you should not exercise until you feel better. You could faint. Feeling ill also affects your concentration and makes you more likely to have accidents.
If you are dehydrated from a bout of diarrhea and vomiting, or even if you simply have a hangover, it is best to wait until you are fully rehydrated before attempting any exercise.
If you are diabetic and your blood sugar levels are low, you should not exercise until you have eaten or drunk enough sweet drinks to raise blood glucose levels. Diabetics can also get dehydrated if their blood glucose levels are too high.
Video game reduces stress
Psychology researchers at McGill University in Montreal have discovered that people had reduced stress levels after playing a video game designed to change their perception of the world. The game moved them away from focusing on the negative aspects of life toward a brighter, more positive, outlook. All they had to do was locate a smiley face on their computer screen as fast as possible.
Test subjects divided into two groups completed a questionnaire about stress at the beginning and end of the study. The group that played the game every day for five days was found to have lower stress levels and even a lower level of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood.
Clare Rowson is a retired medical doctor living near Belleville, Ont. Her columns are intended for general information only. Individuals are encouraged to also seek the advice of their own doctor regarding medical questions and treatments.
