ABSTRACT
This chapter summarises the relative risk of an adverse cardiovascular event related to exercise. Acute elevation in blood pressure can precipitate cardiovascular events such as plaque rupture and associated thrombosis in those with underlying cardiovascular disease, and potentially result in myocardial infarction or stroke. The chapter outlines the general structures and intent of pre-exercise screening systems. Pre-exercise health screening is a process of identifying people who may have health-related conditions which increase the risk of an adverse event during exercise. The chapter also summarises the evidence linking major health risk factors with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Several major risk factors involve a simple self-report process, for example, lifestyle behaviours including physical activity and sedentary patterns, smoking, age, and family history of diseases. The aim of risk factor assessment is to identify individuals with health issues or behaviours that assist in risk evaluation and subsequent exercise prescription.
