U.S. News & World Report recently interviewed Martha Gulati, MD, director of Preventive Cardiology and associate director of the Preventive and Rehabilitative Cardiac Center in the Smidt Heart Institute, about heart safety during exercise and when to seek medical attention. 

According to the American Heart Association, exercise is an effective way to fight heart disease and stroke, the two leading causes of death in the U.S. Despite these benefits, under certain conditions, exercise also can harm the heart.  

New exercisers who might be out of shape and those who push themselves too hard run a higher risk of developing sudden heart problems. That is why it’s important to pace oneself when beginning an exercise program to give the body adequate time to recover, said Gulati, associate director of the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center.

“Chest pain is never normal or expected,” Gulati told U.S. News & World Report. If discomfort is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, or extreme sweating while working out, these could be signs of a heart attack. Stop exercising and contact 911 immediately.

Pay attention to how the body responds during physical activity. “If there is an activity or level that you could do with ease and suddenly you get winded … stop exercising and see your doctor,” Gulati told U.S. News & World Report.

Individuals who experience dizziness while exercising should talk to their healthcare provider, as this could be a sign of dehydration, diabetes, blood pressure, nervous system problems or even a heart valve problem, Gulati said.

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