If you have heart disease it is particularly important to seek medical advice before beginning a workout program. Keep these tips in mind if you have an existing heart condition.

• Ask your doctor if you can participate in these activities: weightlifting, weight machines, jogging, or swimming.
  
  
• Avoid push-ups, sit-ups, and isometric exercises. Isometric exercises involve straining muscles against other muscles or an immovable object.
  

• Avoid extremely hot and cold showers or sauna baths after exercise.
  
  
• Do not go up steep hills during your activity, whenever possible. If you must walk in a hilly area, slow your walking pace when going uphill to avoid working too hard. Watch your heart rate closely and change the activity as needed.
  
  
• Reduce your activity level if your exercise program has been interrupted for a few days (for example, due to illness, vacation, or bad weather). Then, gradually increase to your regular activity level.
  
  
• Do not exercise if you are not feeling well, or have a fever. Wait a few days after all symptoms disappear before starting your exercise program, unless your doctor gives you other directions.
  
  
• If you develop a rapid or irregular heartbeat or have heart palpitations, rest. Check your pulse after you rest for 15 minutes. If your pulse is still above 120-150 beats per minute, call your doctor for further instructions.
  
  
• Do not ignore pain. If you have chest pain or pain anywhere else in your body, do not continue the activity. Learn to "read" your body and know when you need to stop an activity.
  
  
• Stop exercising and rest if you have any of the following symptoms:
  
  - Chest pain
  - Weakness
  - Dizziness or lightheadedness
  - Unexplained weight gain or swelling (call your doctor right away)
  - Pressure or pain in your chest, neck, arm, jaw or shoulder
  - Any other symptoms that cause concern.
  
  Call your doctor if these symptoms persist.