Which condition defines a high-risk client?

A high-risk client is defined primarily by the presence of known cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic pulmonary disease (CPD), renal disease, or metabolic disease, which may include conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome. When an individual is symptomatic or has a known diagnosis of these diseases, their condition elevates the risk associated with physical activity due to potential complications that could occur during exercise.

This categorization is crucial because it emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and potentially more stringent guidelines for exercise prescription, including consideration of medical supervision. In contrast, the other scenarios presented suggest lower levels of risk; for example, being asymptomatic with zero risk factors, having two risk factors without symptoms, or engaging in uncontrolled physical activity does not necessarily indicate the same level of risk as someone who is already symptomatic or has a known disease. Thus, defining a high-risk client accurately helps ensure safety and health is prioritized during exercise interventions.