Question

Risk stratification practice case studies

Ashton Eaton is a 43-year-old man with is not currently exercising regular and who has a known history of hypertension. He is on medication to control his blood pressure and currently has no associated symptoms. He would like to begin exercising at a moderate intensity.

Is medical clearance not necessary, recommended, or required? __________________

Explain why:

Answer 1

Before any older adult adopts a new or increases an existing structured exercise program, appropriate preparticipation health screening should be implemented to identify at-risk individuals who may require medical clearance before they begin an exercise program. Although exercise is safe for most individuals, there is a small but measureable acute risk of cardiovascular complications in certain susceptible individuals.

Physically inactive individuals with known cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease and/or those with signs or symptoms suggestive of these diseases should seek medical clearance before starting an exercise program, regardless of the intensity.

Light-intensity exercise is defined as an intensity that causes slight increases in heart rate (HR) and breathing; moderate intensity causes noticeable increases in HR and breathing; and vigorous intensity causes substantial increases in HR and breathing. Signs and symptoms that are suggestive of cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease and may necessitate the need for medical clearance are shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion, chest discomfort of any type, dizziness or syncope, orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, ankle edema, palpitations or tachycardia, intermittent claudication, known heart murmur, or unusual fatigue or shortness of breath with usual activities.
Moderate intensity resistance training is recommended as a supplement to aerobic exercise training for BP and CVD risk reduction in patients with hypertension,as well as healthy individuals and men with low risk CV disease.

In this case, Ashton Eaton is a 43-year-old man who is a known hypertensive patient and physically inactive, Its always better to speak with his doctor before starting a new exercise program. Working with the doctor ahead of time can help him to plan the exercise program that's right for him. Hence, medical clearance may be recommended for him to adopt appropriate exercise and reduce risk of complications.