Exercise is good for cardiac endurance and efficiency as well as overall health and wellness, but there are some conditions that may make exercise dangerous. Understanding such conditions, including primary pulmonary hypertension, may help you make wiser choices when it comes to exercise. Talk to your doctor about your heart and lung health before starting an exercise program, especially if you've been diagnosed with any medical condition.
Definition
Primary pulmonary hypertension is a lung disorder. Considered rare, according to the American Heart Association, the condition involves an increase in blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, which carries deoxygenated blood from the heart back to the lungs to receive oxygen. High blood pressure, or hypertension, places additional strain on the lower right chamber of the heart, also known as the right ventricle.
Causes
The condition may be caused by a number of factors, including street drug use, HIV or AIDS, or a condition called Raynaud's syndrome. In addition, some dietary suppressants may also cause a narrowing of the pulmonary artery.
Exercise
After a diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension, you should start exercising on a gradual basis. Moderate exercise is effective in helping lower blood pressure. Examples of moderate exercise may include walking, low-impact exercise and low cardio-respiratory exercises such as slow swimming, bicycling on a stationary or regular bike, and low-impact aerobics. After you've increased your strength and endurance, and with a doctor's approval, you can gradually add strength training to your workouts.
Cautions
Avoid exercises that may cause an erratic or sudden change in blood pressure or oxygen demand, such as jogging, high-impact aerobics like kickboxing, or sports like tennis or handball. Start off exercising for 10 to 15 minutes and gradually work your way up to 30 to 60 minutes of exercise four or five days a week. Avoid holding your breath during exercise.
Long-Term Exercising
After talking with your doctor, develop a low-impact exercise routine that offers long-term health benefits. Walking every day, or at least three days a week, will increase cardiac health and lung function and endurance. The key is to start off slow and maintain exercise levels before attempting to increase duration or distance.
