Can I exercise with heart palpitations and angina?

Mar 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Whether individuals with premature contractions accompanied by angina can exercise depends on the frequency of the premature contractions and whether there is coexisting structural heart disease. If the premature contractions are occasional and no structural heart disease is present, moderate exercise is generally permissible. However, if the premature contractions are frequent or structural heart disease is present, exercise is usually not recommended. It is advisable to reduce consumption of stimulants such as coffee, strong tea, and alcohol in daily life.

Generally speaking, premature beats refer to premature contractions. Whether individuals experiencing premature contractions accompanied by angina can exercise depends on the frequency of the premature contractions and whether there is coexisting organic heart disease. If the premature contractions are occasional and there is no organic heart disease, moderate exercise is usually permissible; however, if the premature contractions are frequent or coexist with organic heart disease, exercise is not recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the premature contractions are occasional and medical examination confirms no organic heart disease, and the angina symptoms are mild or occur only under specific triggers such as excessive fatigue or emotional excitement, individuals may engage in moderate exercise under a doctor's guidance. Exercise can improve cardiopulmonary function, promote blood circulation, and enhance myocardial tolerance. However, strenuous or competitive activities should be avoided. Low-intensity aerobic exercises, such as walking or Tai Chi, are recommended, with the intensity level adjusted to avoid triggering angina or increasing premature contractions.

If premature contractions occur frequently or there is a confirmed diagnosis of organic heart diseases such as coronary artery disease or hypertensive heart disease, and angina attacks are frequent or severe, physical activity may加重 cardiac workload, exacerbate myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, and even induce malignant arrhythmias or myocardial infarction. Patients in this category should strictly follow medical advice, avoid exercise, and actively treat the underlying condition.

In daily life, intake of stimulants such as coffee, strong tea, and alcohol should be reduced. In addition, factors such as staying up late, excessive fatigue, and significant emotional fluctuations should be avoided, as these may trigger or worsen premature contractions and angina.