Can I have a heart attack from too much exercise?

Question

I am a 26 year old male 16-stone(about 220pound) 5foot eleven inche. I put on nearly 5 stone in a year starting 2004 and have now lost nearly 3 stone again through diet and exercise. I put the weight on around the time i left the army. For past two weeks i have been running nearly 5 miles 5 days out of 7, since stopping smoking a few weeks back. Just wondering if due to my current weight there is any risk of heart attack from doing so much. Bearing in mind my weight, hieght, age and past army fitness(i left army in sept 2004).

Answer 1

You're chances are VERY low! I'm sure you're fine. You might have some heartburn or a little high anxiety. That is the usual cause of chest pain, etc. Just relax. If it's really driving you crazy, go to your GP and have them do some tests on your heart and blood pressure for some peace of mind. If you quit smoking, that's a step in the right direction!

Answer 2

There is always a risk of heart attack for anyone, even at your age. My brother had one a couple weeks ago and he is 32 years old, not a smoker, not overweight, and an athlete. Just make sure you listen to your body and be mindful of warning signs of trouble. When you exercise, do you get lightheaded, nauseous, numb or tingling arms or legs, or have chest pain? If you have these symptoms during or after exercise, there is a problem. Keep in mind that your body needs to recover when starting a new program to lose weight, so don't exercise every single day. Let you body recover a couple days a week. Since you were previously in the army, your body is accustomed to vigorous exercise, and your body will remember. If you had no cardiovascular problems then, you likely will not now. However, be aware of the signs listed earlier and listen to your body. Plus, you can always visit your doctor for cardio testing as a precaution. Good luck!

Answer 3

Anyone any age or any weight can suffer from a heart attack for over-exercising, the best thing to do is to go to a gym or get a personal trainer, if it doesn't cost too much, then you'll have a professional on hand to tell you when to stop.

Answer 4

There is always a chance, but the fact that you are working on improving yourself will greatly reduce those odds. It's a chance you take, but really....what other options do you have? Second, you could be killed in a car accident tomorrow. When it's your time, it's your time. You can't change that, just do what you know you need to do. You will feel better in the long run....lol cute I made a pun.....and it also rhymes with run, Gee I crack myself up sometimes, then again that could be because I'm blonde. Anyway.....

Answer 5

You can not get a heart attack from too much exercise from ure current situation.

Your weight gains and losses are in the norm. If your current fitness allows u to run 5miles, then ure heart should b in gud condition.

If after your runs, you feel pain in the chest, then u could b over exerting ure self and could need to reduce the freqeuncy of ure runs to allow ure body enough rest.

Answer 6

yes there is always a risk of heart attacks when u exercise as long as u r not over doing it and putting too much strain on ur heart u should b ok. pace urself and dont push it too hard.

Answer 7

If you're concerned go to your doctor and speak to him. If he's worried about any factors he could put you on whats called a GP referral to your local gym (this would only be if you showed a specific complaint), if not and he gives you the green light then go for it

Answer 8

Immposible

Answer 9

If you are used to it, the risk is mimimal. Can you go to your doctor for a heart check to be on the safe side?

Answer 10

yes, you can. Remember Jim Fixx? an American exercise freak who had a load of exercise/jogging vids and books, he dropped dead of a a massive heart attack whilst.....out jogging.