7 Warning Signs Your Heart Is Not Functioning Properly When Exercising.Getting plenty of exercise is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy. It strengthens your heart muscle, helps you breathe harder and can reduce your risk of chronic diseases like high blood pressure.
However, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs your heart is not functioning properly during exercise. These symptoms can be lifesaving if caught early.
- Shortness of Breath
A feeling of breathlessness during exercise can be a sign that your heart is not functioning properly. If you’re feeling short of breath while exercising, it is best to stop and call your doctor.
Breathing difficulties can be caused by a wide range of medical conditions, including problems with the heart and lungs.
Most shortness of breath symptoms are due to problems with how your heart pumps blood or how your lungs transport oxygen. Problems with either of these functions can be life-threatening, so if you experience shortness of breath while exercising, it is important to see your doctor right away.
- Chest Pain
If your chest hurts while you’re exercising, it could be a warning sign that your heart is not functioning properly. Mild chest pains from overexertion, cramps or heartburn aren’t a cause for concern but more severe ones are.
Your doctor can evaluate and test you to determine what’s causing your pain. Many causes of chest pain can be treated or prevented.
- Fatigue
If you have fatigue during exercise, it’s important to slow down and stop. If it doesn’t go away, talk to your doctor.
Your health care provider may perform a physical examination and give you blood tests. This will help them to identify the underlying cause of your fatigue.
Fatigue is a common symptom that can have many causes. If your fatigue doesn’t go away after a few days of getting enough sleep and making other lifestyle changes, it could be a sign that you have a health problem.
- Diarrhea
When you exercise, your body loses water and salt. Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects from dehydration.
It usually clears up within a day or 2. However, prolonged diarrhea that lasts longer than a week may be a sign of a serious health problem that needs further evaluation by a doctor.
If you’re experiencing diarrhea, a few simple steps can help. First, drink plenty of fluids. You can also try a few liquid foods like bananas, yogurt, and mashed potatoes.
- Changes in Emotions
Having a good workout routine can be a big boost for your mood, and exercise can produce a number of feel-good chemicals. These include endorphins, which are similar to pain medicine interacting with your brain’s neurotransmitters.
It’s also been proven that exercise has a positive effect on your brain chemistry and physiology, particularly when it comes to feelings of fear or anxiety. That’s because it releases a number of chemicals that are known to decrease stress levels, boost memory, and give you that euphoric feeling that can help you cope with life’s challenges.
- Weight Gain
One of the most common symptoms people experience when they start exercising is weight gain. This can be a normal reaction to increased exercise intensity, but it can also be a sign of a serious medical condition or a side effect of a medication.
If your weight gain is sudden and you have swollen feet or ankles, or blue or purple skin discoloration, this could be a warning sign that your heart is not functioning properly.
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop what you are doing and see your doctor right away. They will give you the information you need to help manage your health.
- Changes in Blood Pressure
If your blood pressure is usually high when you’re at home or at work but drops suddenly, it may be a sign of a problem. It can be dangerous because your heart, brain and other vital organs aren’t getting enough blood flow.
This can lead to symptoms ranging from lightheadedness and fatigue to heart rhythm problems and respiratory distress. In some cases, low blood pressure can be caused by certain medications and medical conditions.