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Exercise intolerance describes the inability to perform physical activities at the level expected for a person's age and fitness, or experiencing unusually severe fatigue, pain, or breathlessness after minimal exertion. It is a symptom rather than a standalone disease, signaling underlying health problems that prevent normal oxygen delivery or energy production during exercise.

The most common cause is heart disease, particularly when the heart cannot pump sufficient blood during physical activity, leading to inadequate oxygen circulation. Other causes include asthma and respiratory conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome, metabolic disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction, muscle weakness, anemia, and deconditioning.

Symptoms manifest as excessive fatigue during exercise, breathlessness after minimal activity, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, muscle weakness, prolonged recovery time, and inability to complete routine physical tasks. Unlike normal post-exercise tiredness, exercise intolerance symptoms persist unusually long and are disproportionate to the effort performed.

Diagnosis requires a thorough medical evaluation including exercise testing, as symptoms may only appear during physical activity. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying condition—asthma requires different management than metabolic disorders or heart failure.

Management strategies include gradual, supervised exercise programs, breathing techniques, balanced nutrition, adequate hydration, proper rest, and stress management. Individuals should seek immediate medical attention for sudden severe exercise intolerance, chest pain, or extreme unexplained fatigue.