Exercise intolerance
1644698
208893189
2008-04-29T00:54:13Z
Mukadderat
747735
'''Exercise intolerance''' is a condition where the [[patient]] is unable to do [[physical exercise]] at the level or for the duration that would be expected of someone in his or her general [[physical condition]], or experiences unusually severe post-exercise [[pain]], [[fatigue]], or other negative effects. Exercise intolerance is not a [[disease]] or [[syndrome]] in and of itself, but a [[symptom]].
Since there are many possible specific reasons why exercise could be inhibited, this is a rather slippery term. For instance, the patient may experience unusual breathlessness ([[dyspnea]]), muscle pain ([[myalgia]]), or increasing muscle [[weakness (medical)|weakness]] while exercising, or may, after exercise, experience severe [[headache]], [[nausea]], [[dizziness]] or extreme [[fatigue (physical)|fatigue]]. In most cases, the specific reason that exercise is not tolerated is of considerable significance when trying to isolate the cause down to a specific disease.
==Causes==
Exercise intolerance is primarily found in organic [[brain]] diseases, [[mitochondrial disease]]s and [[neuromuscular disease]]s. It is considered the central symptom in [[chronic fatigue syndrome]]. Exercise intolerance can also be caused by heart conditions or conditions that cause back pain. Several heart conditions, such as a [[cardiac arrhythmia]] (abnormal heart rate or rhythm) or an [[aortic valve insufficiency]], if severe enough can cause activity problems such as shortness of breath and/or exercise intolerance. People with acute back pain from an injury or chronic back pain (e.g., from a degenerative condition) may also experience exercise limitations due to muscle spasms or limited range of spinal motion. [[Overtraining]] can also cause the intolerance.
==Treatment==
Exercise is key for many heart and back patients, and a variety of specific exercise techniques are available for both groups. Some exercise specialists (e.g., [[physical therapist]]s, athletic trainers) are trained in modifications specific to these patients.
===Hazards===
Certain conditions in particular exist where exercise, particularly rehabilitation, may be contraindicated, including:
*decompensated heart failure
*recent [[myocardial infarction]]
*hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or cardiomyopathy from recent myocarditis
*active or suspected myocarditis or pericarditis
*low left ventricular ejection fraction
*severe aortic stenosis
*unstable ischemia
*unstable arrythmia
*irregular or resting pulse greater than 100 bpm
*resting systolic blood pressure >200 mm Hg or resting diastolic blood pressure >110 mm Hg
*severe pulmonary hypertension
*severe chronic fatigue syndrome
*suspected or known dissecting aneurysm
*recent systemic or pulmonary embolus
*pneumothorax and haemoptysis
*thrombophlebitis
Other conditions may also preclude exercising under certain conditions. Passive [[physiotherapy]] can in some instances be an alternative for some patients unable to safely self-power.
[[Category:Symptoms]]
[[Category:Exercise]]
[[Category:Exercise physiology]]