Weight loss is an important component of an overall treatment program for those with heart conditions. Excess weight places extra work on the heart muscle; however, it is essential to lose weight safely. For weight loss, aerobic or cardiovascular exercise will burn the most calories. The concern is that there are many types of heart conditions, and sometimes exercise can be contraindicated. The first step in starting any weight loss exercises for heart disease is to talk with a doctor who can set guidelines and make sure the program is safe.
Walking
Walking is free and can be done anywhere at anytime, and it does not require any special equipment. When compared to other forms of exercise, walking has the lowest dropout rate, states the American Heart Association. This is important because in order to obtain weight loss benefits, exercise must be done consistently and throughout life.
The general guideline for weight loss for healthy individuals involves 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Depending on the type of heart condition, this may need to be adjusted. A physician may recommend starting with short five- to ten-minute walks, two to three times a day and then gradually working up to one long session.
Biking
Bike riding either outside or on an exercise bike can also help a heart patient to lose weight. The goal is to burn off more calories than are eaten. If using an exercise bike, look for one that is programmable so that the number of calories burned during the workout can be displayed.
Bike riding or any form of aerobic exercise not only helps to shed unwanted pounds, it can also lower high blood pressure, high cholesterol and reduce the risk of diabetes, claims the American Council on Exercise.
Make sure to warm up and cool down, and stop any exercise that causes dizziness, weakness, swelling, nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, chest discomfort or tightness, shortness of breath or extreme fatigue.
Swimming and Water Exercise
When first starting an exercise program, it may be necessary to attend a supervised program at a rehabilitation center. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends talking with the cardiac rehabilitation team to determine what a safe exercise heart rate would be.
A rehabilitation therapist can teach the proper use of a heart-rate monitor that can be used during exercise to make sure the heart rate does not go too high. There are monitors that can be worn while in the water. Working out in water is a good option for those with arthritis or other conditions that make land exercise too painful. Water can also be very relaxing for the body and it provides resistance, which can tone the muscles. For those who do not enjoy swimming, water aerobics classes are another option.
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