Physical Activity for Heart Disease Patients: Why It’s Important and How to Do It Safely
If you have heart disease, it’s important that you get regular exercise. Not only can physical activity help to strengthen your heart muscle, but it can also help you control your cholesterol levels and blood pressure. While being more active is key, it’s crucial not to overdo it. Here are a few reasons why physical activity for heart disease patients is so important, as well as how to exercise safely.
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Benefits of Exercise
There are so many benefits that exercise may bring for those with heart disease. These include making your heart muscle stronger, allowing you to become more active without experiencing chest pain and other symptoms, as well as lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. If you have diabetes, regular exercise can help you stay in control of your blood sugar. Exercise can help with losing weight too, helping you feel better.
Types of Exercise
There are various aerobic activities that you can do to help you lead a more active lifestyle. Whether you enjoy walking, light jogging, or swimming, it’s advised to exercise at least three times each week. Before you begin any activity, make sure to factor in five minutes beforehand so you can do some stretches to ensure your muscles and heart are warmed up. You should also factor in some time to cool down once you’ve finished. If you’re feeling tired or you experience any heart symptoms, it’s strongly advised that you stop. The type of clothing you wear can also have a big impact, so try not to put on too many layers. You may also be interested in resistance weight training, which may help improve your strength and endurance levels.
Staying Safe
If you experience any pain or have any other symptoms like shortness of breath, or chest pain, it’s best to stop and seek advice. Paying attention to these warning signs is incredibly important. While it can be all too easy to push yourself to the limits, you may not realize the damage you could be causing to your body, especially if you have heart disease. If you have any symptoms, make sure to note them down so you can identify when they occur and how regular they happen, which you can pass on to your doctor. Also, if you plan to exercise at home, you may want to try a medical alert system that you can use should you need urgent medical assistance. Instead of having to wear a device on your wrist, you can have the system anywhere in the home.
Seek Help
It’s always best to consult with your doctor first before you make any lifestyle changes or begin exercising. Your doctor will be able to monitor your health and give you professional advice regarding what types of activities are suitable for you. If you notice any changes in your health, you should confide in your doctor.
You may also benefit from having a trainer or physical therapist on hand. Either one can give you more advice and show you how to perform exercises correctly. If you have any problems, it’s reassuring to know that there are professionals around you who can keep a close eye. It’s better to start off slower, rather than doing too much exercise. If you have any worries or concerns about your heart disease or symptoms linked with it, speaking to a professional can put your mind at ease.
While we all know the major benefits of leading a more active lifestyle, it’s important not to overdo any exercise, especially if you have heart disease. Before you begin your fitness journey, it’s advised to consult with your doctor first, who will be able to give you more advice on what types of exercises are right for you, as well as what you should avoid doing. Being in the know will give you the necessary tools you need to be more active and healthier.
