Can cardiac arrest occur during exercise programs?

Can cardiac arrest occur during exercise programs?

A normal heart should not go into cardiac arrest during an exercise program. A heart with pre-existing disease can occasionally arrest, especially if the disease is severe and the exertion is high. Hence it is recommended that all older individuals have a cardiac assessment and if necessary a treadmill exercise test prior to initiation of an exercise program. When exercise programs are started as part of cardiac rehabilitation, assessment is routinely needed and in those at significant risk, the availability of equipment to treat a cardiac arrest is desirable. Such programs are always carried out in a clinical setting.