Hi, I am a 40 year old woman who has recently began exercising daily. I have started to get quick sharp headaches several hours after I exercise, and I also get neck and shoulder aches.  For the past two days, I have also had nosebleeds.  Is it possible that this is related to exercise?  I am overweight and have slightly high cholesterol.  I also bruise easily and have suffered from fainting spells since I was a child.  Years ago, my doctor explained that the fainting spells are related to circulation.  If I'm not properly hydrated and I stand for too long, especially in the heat or while taking a hot shower, I can feel a dizzy spell coming on.  I also have a history of heart disease and stroke in several members of my immediate family.   Obviously, it is imperative that I lose this weight, so I have been increasing the intensity and duration of my workouts in order to achieve that goal.  However, because of my family history, I am concerned that the headaches and nosebleeds may be connected to my exercising and may be symptoms of a more serious heart related condition.  I apologize if I sound like a hypochondriac, but heart disease has claimed the lives of many of my family members while they were in their 40s and 50s.  Should I see a doctor about this, or am I overreacting?
                                                        
                                                     
                                                    
                                                        
                                                            
                                                            
                                                            
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                                                                Thu, 13 Mar 2014