What should you do?
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop the exercise immediately. Always ensure you wear the safety clip provided on all treadmills in a gym. These are designed to stop the machine quickly but safely if you stumble, fall or feel suddenly unwell. Ask for help from one of the coaching staff or personal trainers. If you are in a group exercise studio, ask another member to get the attention of the instructor. If you notice anyone who is unwell, please get a member of staff to help immediately.
Signs of Heart Trouble
Even if you’ve previously had a heart attack, another one could have entirely different symptoms. If any of the following symptoms occur during your workout, seek medical attention immediately — even if you’re unsure whether it’s something serious.
Chest Discomfort
Many people associate sudden and intense chest pain with heart attacks. While some heart attacks may begin this way, many begin with a feeling of mild discomfort, uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the centre of the chest. It can be subtle and may come and go, so it can be difficult to tell what’s wrong. If this symptom lasts for more than a few minutes, stop exercising and seek medical attention.
Shortness of Breath
A feeling of unusual breathlessness with chest discomfort during an activity is often a precursor to a heart attack. This symptom can occur before chest discomfort, or may even occur with no chest discomfort.
Dizziness or Light-Headedness
While physical activity may make you feel fatigued, especially if you’re not used to it, you should never feel dizzy or light-headed while exercising. Take this warning sign seriously and stop exercising right away.
Heart Rhythm Abnormalities
The sensation of your heartbeat skipping, palpitating, or thumping could indicate a heart-related problem. If you observe any unusual heart rhythms during your workout, seek medical attention.
Discomfort in Other Areas of the Body
Heart problems can cause sensations in other areas of the body besides your chest. Symptoms can include discomfort, pain, or pressure in one or both arms, your back, neck, jaw, or stomach. You might also experience a sensation of discomfort radiating from one part of your body to another, such as from your chest, jaw, or neck into your shoulder, arm, or back.
Other Signs of Trouble
Although sweat during exercise is normal, nausea and breaking into a cold sweat are warning signs of a possible problem. Some people who have experienced heart attacks have reported a sense of foreboding or impending doom.
What to Do
When it comes to dealing with a possible heart problem, timing is critical. Every second counts. Don’t take a wait-and-see approach or try to push through your workout. If you think you might be experiencing any of the warning signs above, seek medical help. The American Heart Association advises waiting no more than a few minutes — five minutes at most — to call the medical emergency services. Your heart may stop beating during a heart attack and emergency personnel have the knowledge and equipment needed to get it beating again.
If you’re experiencing possible heart attack symptoms and can’t call an ambulance, have someone else drive you to the hospital immediately. Avoid getting behind the wheel yourself, unless there are no other options.