exercise - groups in which benefit of moderate-vigourous exercise does not outweigh risks
Last reviewed 03/2022
Note that:
- benefits of regular moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity far
outweigh the risks except in those with the following conditions:
- symptomatic severe aortic stenosis
- acute pulmonary embolus or pulmonary infarction
- acute myocarditis or pericarditis
- suspected or known dissecting aneurysym
- resting SBP >= 180mmHG / DBP >=100 mmHG
- uncontrolled / unstable angina
- acute uncontrolled psychiatric illness
- osteoporosis (T score >=2.5)
- experiences significant drop in BP during exercise
- uncontrolled resting tachycardia >=100 bpm
- unstable or acute heart failure
- uncontrolled diabetes
- new or uncontrolled arrhythmias
- experiences chest pain, dizziness or excessive breathlessness during exertion
| Intensity of exercise | Type of exercise | Examples |
| Light | aerobic | Normal walking, walking downstairs, bowling, general housework: vacuum cleaning carpets, mopping floors |
| Moderate | aerobic | Brisk walking (3- 4.5 mph), lawn mowing, cycling (5-9 mph), low impact aerobic dance, social dancing, swimming |
| Vigorous | aerobic for some, anaerobic for others | Fast walking >=5mph; cycling >=10mph; high impact aerobics, playing competitive sports, circuit weight training, heavy digging for others or yard work; heavy housework,moving furniture |
Reference:
- (1) British Heart Foundation Factfile (September 2008). Physical activity to reduce cardiovascular risk.