Roger Blumenthal: On Exercise and Angina Pain

Is it dangerous to exercise if one is having angina, or chest pains?

Roger Blumenthal: Anginal pain itself is not a contraindication for exercise. In fact, a certain amount of regular exercise may help develop new blood vessels to the area of the heart with blocked arteries. However, the level of exercise and heart rate achieved should be discussed with your physician. This is especially important if the degree of blockage is significant. The oxygen requirement of the heart muscle increases during exercise and can cause an imbalance between the demand and supply of oxygen in the diseased part of the heart. If you are truly having anginal-type pains, you need to make sure that you are on an optimal medical and lifestyle regimen and that you are in close touch with your primary-care physician and cardiologist.