Although a consistent program of relaxation may be the best course of action for someone with heart disease, remaining active is critical for the heart and overall health. Dr. Elijah Behr shows why and how even those with medical issues that put them at risk of cardiac arrest can exercise safely.
Among older adults who suffer from blood pressure fluctuations, this is a big question if they can go for exercise or not.
Is It Necessary For Persons With Heart Disease To Exercise?
The lack of exercise may have a tremendous impact on the body, and hence it is considered as a good option if one goes for exercise regularly, but the same can trigger blood pressure which can affect the overall health condition also. To come up with the right information for such people only, there are some guidelines offered by experts which can prove much helpful.
“Even in patients with quite damaged hearts that are causing heart failure, exercise can be important for improving quality of life,” Dr. Behr says. There is a caveat: “This has to be within reason, and care should be taken to avoid exacerbating the underlying condition.”
Q. What kind of exercise is recommended? Does it rule out cardio?
“Patients can undertake cardiovascular exercise, and indeed this can be very good for their well-being and prognosis. However, the intensity and period of the exercise must be tailored to their condition,” Dr. Behr says.
High-intensity endurance or competitive sports should be avoided in general if the condition is negatively affected by exercise, he says, and customized treatment from a cardiologist is recommended.
Q. What should people do if they have a cardiac issue and want to exercise?
When creating an activity regimen, keep in mind the underlying heart problem.
“For example, if someone has coronary artery disease, meaning furring, or blockage, of the arteries due to cholesterol, then overexercising may cause chest pain and increase the risk from the underlying condition,” Dr. Behr says. “On the other hand, patients with conditions that are not worsened by exercise, such as some heart rhythm problems, may exercise as much as they wish.”
Q. What steps may people take to lower their chances of cardiac arrest when exercising? What are the symptoms that something is wrong?
Dr. Behr explains that among patients with diseases that put them at risk of cardiac arrest, avoiding very intense or prolonged exercise or competitive sports is usually the key to minimizing risk while optimizing benefits from exercise.
Patients should stop exercising immediately and seek medical treatment if they have chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations, or dizziness when exercising, he says.
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