Safety Advice

In order to maximise safety, it is vital to read and follow these guidelines at all times

What should I do if I experience any pain whilst exercising?

STOP immediately and inform me straight away. You should never experience pain of any kindwhilst exercising.

When should I not exercise?

Always compare how you feel each day with your usual symptoms and capabilities. Do not exercise if your angina is getting worse, becoming more frequent or your breathing is worse than usual. If this is the case please consult your GP as a matter of urgency and advise me accordingly.

You should also stop exercising immediately and inform me if you experience any of the following:

• Palpitations
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Excessive shortness of breath
• Excessive sweating
• Sickness/nausea

What should I do if I get angina when I am exercising on my own?

Angina is an uncomfortable feeling, tightness, heaviness or pain in your chest which may spread to your arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, back or stomach. For some people the pain or tightness is severe whilst others may simply feel a mild discomfort or pressure. The pain is caused by a narrowing in the coronary arteries due to fatty deposits called atheroma. The artery may become so narrow that it doesn’t allow enough blood and therefore oxygen through to your heart muscle when you become physically active – thus causing pain. If you have a GTN spray or tablets the nitrates contained within relaxes the walls of the blood vessels, widening them so more blood and oxygen can then reach your heart relieving the pain.

Therefore if you experience Angina whilst exercising you should:

• Stop what you are doing and rest
• If you have been prescribed GTN take one dose and wait for 5 minutes
• If the pain/discomfort has not passed within 5 minutes take another dose
• If, 5 minutes after the second dose, the pain has not gone Call 999 for an ambulance
• At any stage, if the pain becomes more severe call an ambulance immediately
• If this action relieves the discomfort, continue to rest for 5-10 minutes and then do a full warm-up again before re-commencing exercise.

If you are in any doubt err on the side of caution and call 999.

Sensible Precautions

• Exercise only when you feel well. If you are unwell with a virus, cold or bug it is not advisable to do any physical activity (supervised or home-based). Please wait at least 2 days after the symptoms have disappeared before you re-start exercising.
  
  
• Make sure that you have eaten a light meal approximately 1-2 hours before exercising. Do not exercise on either a full or completely empty stomach.
  
  
• It is not advisable to exercise in the extremes of temperature. Dress warmly when exercising in the cold. Try to avoid getting very hot or very cold as this will make you feel more tired. If it is warm, you may need to slow your exercise pace.
  
  
• Make sure that you wear the right amount of clothing. This should be loose fitting and comfortable. Wear shoes that are comfortable and secure for the activity e.g. soft-soled lace up shoes or trainers.
• You must take your medication as normal each day when you are exercising; you will not be allowed to commence exercise if you have not taken your medication. Also, if you have been given a GTN spray or tablets you must bring them to each session.
  
  
• Exercise regularly but NEVER exceed the levels that have been recommended to you. Remain within your specified heart rate training range and Borg Rate of Perceived exertion Scales 11-14 – Light to Somewhat Hard
  
  
• Know your capabilities. Compare how you feel today with your usual symptoms and capabilities. If you have changed your medication, developed any new symptoms or you have found that your usual symptoms have worsened (i.e. more breathlessness, more frequent angina or swollen ankles), or you are struggling to complete your normal level of exercise you must advise me immediately.

Finally, I hope that you enjoy these exercise sessions. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.