When you need your doctor's OK

Sometimes it's best to check with your doctor before you jump into an exercise program, especially if:

• You have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, heart disease or lung disease.
• You have high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
• You've had a heart attack.
• You have a family history of heart-related problems before age 55 in men and age 65 in women.
• You feel pain or discomfort in your chest, jaw, neck or arms during activity.
• You become dizzy with activity.
• You smoke or recently quit smoking.
• You're overweight or obese.
• You're unsure if you're in good health or you haven't been exercising regularly.

Some medications, including high blood pressure drugs, affect your heart rate and your body's response to exercise. Also, if you take blood pressure drugs and recently increased your activity level, ask your doctor if you need to adjust your dose. For some people, getting more exercise reduces their need for blood pressure medication.