exercise intolerance
Reduced ability to perform physical activity at expected levels, requiring cardiac evaluation to exclude underlying heart disease in athletes.
Full Definition
Exercise intolerance in the athletic population refers to an unexplained decline in exercise capacity or the development of symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, or syncope during physical activity that was previously well-tolerated. This condition may indicate underlying cardiac pathology including cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, or valvular abnormalities. Sports cardiology evaluation involves comprehensive assessment including exercise testing, echocardiography, and possibly advanced imaging to identify reversible causes and ensure safe athletic participation. The condition must be distinguished from normal physiological fatigue, overtraining syndrome, and non-cardiac causes of reduced performance.
Usage
Usage note: Use hyphenated form consistently; distinguish from general exercise capacity reduction in documentation.
In Context
- "The runner's recent exercise intolerance prompted comprehensive cardiac screening to exclude underlying pathology." — Sports medicine referral
- "Exercise intolerance in previously asymptomatic athletes requires systematic evaluation for cardiac and non-cardiac causes." — Clinical practice guideline