Deciding to take up physical activity after a pause is not something to be taken lightly. It all depends on the type of physical activity contemplated and the health of the person concerned.

150 minutes of activity per week
Remember that it is recommended to exercise regularly. The benefits are real and possible to achieve with a mere 150 minutes of physical activity per week via different exercise sessions every day, regardless of the activity chosen.

A simple walk can contribute to the desired beneficial effect.

A simple activity is enough
These 150 minutes are attainable for everyone through walking, cycling, aquafit, swimming or any other recreational activity. These types of activities do not require any special medical evaluation.

Exercise is an integral part of treatments
Regular exercise is an integral part of treatments in patients who have had coronary problems, such as unstable angina or a stroke.
 

There is no doubt that these patients, who have most likely benefited from coronary artery repair by "stent" or bypass surgery, have been prescribed a healthy diet, asked to quit smoking if the patient is a smoker, and to exercise regularly and diligently.
 

Hockey with friends
What about these men who, after years of sedentary life, decide to put on their skates to play hockey in what is called a "garage league"? This kind of activity asks for prevention. Let's see why.

These garage leagues consist of teams often composed of a few players who clash in the evening. One-hour games require participants to make an intense and sustained effort.

Participants must be in good physical shape.

Risk factors to consider
However, by abandoning their sedentary lifestyle, many of them are overweight and often have certain health problems predisposing their arteries to block. The health troubles, commonly referred to as risk factors, that make them vulnerable for the development of coronary artery disease are:

• High blood pressure
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Diabetes

Other risk factors are:

• Males
• Age
• The presence of coronary heart disease in the family
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity
• Smoking

We must be vigilant

Men who want to resume such a high level of physical activity should be vigilant.

This is especially important for people who have a second risk factor in addition to being male. It is strongly recommended that you talk to your doctor to see if you need to do some tests before beginning your chosen physical activity.

For men who have had a coronary event requiring stent repair, an appointment with their health professional is a necessity.

Things to check with your health professional

When meeting with your health care professional, you can expect that your medical history, blood pressure and cholesterol level are checked.

Similarly, an electrocardiogram at rest and, in some cases, a treadmill examination could be prescribed.
 

Suspicious angina chest pain

It is important to remember that the main symptom of coronary heart disease is angina.

Anyone who has back, thoracic, left or right arm or jaw pain during an effort, which is relieved by rest, but manifests again from one effort to another, is very suspicious. This kind of discomfort must be discussed with your doctor.

In conclusion, prevention is always the best treatment: staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, adopting healthy eating habits and not smoking.