Safe exercise with medical condition?

Q: Is it safe for athletes with chronic medical conditions to exercise?

A: Yes. Regular exercise can help manage symptoms and improve health of those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

High blood pressure

Physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and lower blood pressure. But talk to your doctor about how your drugs can affect you during exercise. Diuretics can lower your sodium, and beta-blockers can limit heart capacity.

High cholesterol

Athletes can be even more vulnerable to heart disease than the typical person if their cardiovascular risk is not properly addressed. Before beginning an exercise program, have your cholesterol checked, and discuss your heart attack and stroke risk with your physician. Statin drugs are effective in reducing cholesterol, but can increase the risk of muscle injury in vigorous exercise, and affect peak aerobic capacity. Take your drugs and their side effects into consideration before you exercise.

Diabetes

Exercise is a key therapeutic tool for those with diabetes. With proper precautions and monitoring, diabetic athletes can play sports. Warm up and cool down before exercising to help your body adjust. Be aware of your signs of hypoglycemia. Since exercise, training, and competition can cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate, check them before, during, and up to four hours after exercise.

See a sports-focused doctor who can work with you to safely maximize your performance. With precautionary measures, you can stay in the game.

- William J. Strimel