Approximately 785,000 Americans have a first heart attack each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart disease, which includes many different types of heart conditions, is the leading cause of death in the United States. Exercise, including aerobic exercise and strength training, can be safe for patients with chronic heart disease and should be an important part of your heart disease rehabilitation program.
Considerations
If you suffer from chronic heart disease, consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program. Depending on your specific condition, you doctor may recommend an exercise test to see how you respond to exercise or he may clear you to exercise on your own with minimal supervision. If you experience chest pain, abnormal breathing or extreme exhaustion, stop exercising immediately and contact your doctor.
Aerobic Exercise
The American College of Sports Medicine reports that aerobic exercise should be included in your heart disease treatment program. It suggests working your way up to at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on at least three days each week. This amount of exercise can be done all in one exercise session or in shorter sessions lasting at least 10 minutes. Your doctor should approve your workout intensity. Walking is an excellent type of aerobic exercise for beginners, and if appropriate, cycling on a stationary bike or swimming can also be safely done.
Strength Training
Strength training exercises are also recommended by the ACSM if you have heart disease, although some precautions should be taken. Using slow controlled movements, not straining and maintaining a regular breathing pattern are recommended and using resistance bands or light free weights is a good place to start, depending on your specific condition. Strength training exercises for your major muscle groups should be done at least two times each week.
Benefits
Regular participation in aerobic and strength training exercises can improve your fitness and strengthen your muscles, which can make it easier for you to do normal, day-to-day activities. These types of exercises can also help you control your weight, cholesterol and blood pressure, all of which are other risk factors for heart disease. Regular exercise has also been shown to improve heart disease patients' feelings of well-being and self-confidence while decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Recommendations
Always follow you doctor's instructions when exercising with heart disease to make sure your condition does not worsen or require emergency treatment. Consulting with a trained, certified exercise specialist familiar with heart disease may be beneficial in helping you develop an exercise program that is safe for your specific condition. Always begin and end your exercise session with a proper warm-up and cool-down.
References
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heart Disease Facts
- American Council on Exercise: Exercising With Heart Disease
- American College of Sports Medicine: Exercise for Persons with Cardiovascular Disease
- "ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription"; Walter R. Thompson, Ph.D., ed.; 2010
