Congestive heart failure, or CHF, is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body. Due to scientific research and new knowledge, suggested treatment regimens for this condition have changed over time. In time past, rest was a recommended treatment for CHF, but current treatment includes exercise in many instances of CHF. Consult your health care provider before beginning an exercise program if you have CHF.
Congestive heart failure, also referred to as heart failure, is a long-term condition which may appear suddenly or develop over a period of time. The condition may present as the heart having difficulty pumping oxygenated blood out to the body or the heart has difficulty filling completely due to stiffness of the heart muscle. The condition may affect only the right side or the left side of the heart, but often the entire heart is involved.
Lifestyle Changes
Treatment of congestive heart failure, both medically and with lifestyle changes, will depend in part on the severity of your individual condition. Consult your health care provider for recommendations tailored to your individual condition. Among the lifestyle changes recommended by the American Heart Association are quitting smoking, limiting or avoiding caffeine, reducing stress and increasing regular physical activity. Depending on your condition, your health care provider may initially recommend a rehabilitation program designed for people with CHF.
Benefits
According to Providence Health & Services, the benefits of exercise in the treatment of congestive heart failure are many, including stress reduction, less shortness of breath, less muscle weakness and promotion of independent living. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that proper treatment of CHF, including exercise, will improve the symptoms of your condition and your overall health.
Expert Insight
Andrew L. Clark, M.D., authored a study titled, "Exercise and Heart Failure: Assessment and Treatment," published in the May 2006 edition of "Heart." Clark discusses the importance of exercise in the treatment of chronic stable congestive heart failure, stating "exercise can be used as a prescription for some heart failure patients to help reduce symptoms and possibly improve outcome."
Exercising
Shortness of breath is one of the key symptoms experienced when your heart is unable to supply adequate amounts of oxygen to the body. During exercise you may notice yourself becoming short of breath -- if so, stop and rest. Perform gentle exercise and increase duration of each exercise period slowly. Remember, your heart is also a muscle. As you decrease muscle weakness in the rest of your body, exercise is doing the same thing for your heart muscle.
Considerations
MedlinePlus advises that you get enough rest each day and at periods throughout the day as needed, such as after exercise or eating. Do not exercise on days that you're not feeling well or when your weight has increased due to fluid retention. Contact your health care provider if you notice sudden weight gain, fluid retention, increased cough or sputum production, weakness or other unexplained symptoms. Contact 911 or other emergency services if you experience crushing chest pain, fainting, or an irregular and rapid heartbeat, advises MedlinePlus.
References
- American Heart Association: Lifestyle Changes for Heart Failure
- Providence Health & Services: Exercise and Congestive Heart Failure
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Heart Failure
- "Heart": Exercise and Heart Failure: Assessment and Treatment, Andrew L. Clark, M.D., May 2006
- MedlinePlus: Heart Failure
