Exercise

Risks

Although there are many health benefits of exercise, it’s not without risks, including musculoskeletal injury; arrhythmia, heart attack; and, in rare instances, sudden cardiac death. However, in most cases, the benefits of physical activity significantly outweigh the risks. People with coronary artery disease (CAD) who exercise are overall less likely to have a heart attack than those people with CAD who don’t exercise.

However, some people are at higher risk of complications relating to physical activity. This is especially important for people with congestive heart failure or limited mobility and for older adults. But even with special considerations, you may still be able to be physically active if you get clearance from your doctor, follow your doctor’s guidelines, and communicate with your doctor about how you’re doing.