Exercise is typically thought of as an important part of a healthy lifestyle. However, if you have a serious condition, such as congestive heart failure, you may wonder what types of exercise are right for you; certain activities may leave you short of breath and fatigued. Fortunately, gentle and gradual exercise programs can increase your quality of life if you have congestive heart failure. Talk to your doctor about a customized exercise program.
Congestive Heart Failure
According to the Mayo Clinic, congestive heart failure, or CHF, happens when your heart can no longer pump enough blood to fulfill your body's needs. The site states that CHF develops after other conditions have weakened the heart; the chambers of your heart can become stiff and not fill or pump blood properly. The term "congestive" comes from improperly pumped blood backing up into your lungs, liver, abdomen and lower extremities. With this condition you can experience shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, fluid buildup in the lungs, swelling in the limbs, irregular heartbeat and reduced ability to exercise.
Exercise Benefits
According to Providence Health and Services, exercising can help to relieve stress, which is a major component of heart-related disorders. Because exercise pushes your lungs, heart and other body parts to work harder and adapt, you will increase your strength, endurance and tolerance for everyday activities. The site also states that exercise can help relieve depression, promote healthy sleep, improve muscle tone, decrease shortness of breath and allow you a more independent way of living. Exercise is also important in preventing osteoporosis, which is a disease of weakening bone density. The Mayo Clinic states that exercising can increase bone density and leave you less vulnerable to breaks and fractures.
Exercise and CHF
Because CHF leads to a lower exercise tolerance, it is important to talk to your doctor about an exercise program that gradually and safely increases your endurance. Providence recommends beginning with activity that you find fun and that suits your current health state. The duration of activity can be anywhere from one to 30 minutes, depending upon where you start initially. If you can only exercise for five minutes before you become short of breath, try exercising for four minutes two or three times per day. Gradually increase one parameter, like duration, at a time; increasing both duration and repetition can be harmful for your body.
Types of Exercise
Although specific preferences may vary, some sources such as Penn State's Hershey Medical Center and the Mayo Clinic suggest gentle exercise like walking. Many cardiac rehabilitation programs also offer specifically designed exercise programs for CHF patients. Tai chi is a gentle exercise that emphasizes breathing and slow, controlled movements. Everyday activities also count toward exercise; gardening, raking leaves and cleaning can increase your heart rate and stimulate your muscles.
Cautions
According to Providence, it is important to know your body's limitations. While you should be working hard, you should also be able to carry on a conversation with someone. If your words are punctuated by gasps for air, you are exercising too hard. Stop if you become short of breath, lightheaded, nauseous, dizzy or have chest pain. If you are feeling tired, the site recommends a relaxation exercise instead of a physical activity. It is also recommended to avoid lifting heavy loads and working out in cold or hot weather, as these conditions create more stress for your body.
