Aortic stenosis is a structural abnormality in the aortic valve of your heart, and it prevents the proper ejection of blood during a contraction. If you have aortic stenosis, you need to understand the consequences of the condition so disease progression can be prevented. In order to keep your heart healthy, be aware that certain types of exercise is recommended to strengthen your heart.
Heart Physiology
The heart is composed of four chambers -- two atria and two ventricles. Imagine the heart as a rectangular box divided into these four sections. The top two are the atria, the area of the heart responsible for collecting blood coming in from the venous system. The bottom two sections are the ventricles, whose purpose is to pump blood out of the heart to organs throughout the body. Valves are located between each heart chamber, each of which act to direct blood flow in the appropriate direction. Problems with the aortic valve may lead to stenosis, or narrowing of the valve. This produces a specific constellation of symptoms, including heart murmurs, that your doctor can identify using a stethoscope.
About Aortic Stenosis
According to MayoClinic.com, three classes of aortic stenosis exist. Two of these are caused by rheumatic fever and congenital abnormalities, however these are less common than the third, which is caused by calcium buildup on the aortic valve. This condition primarily affects the elderly and is seen in 25 percent of individuals older than 65 years of age. Complications of aortic stenosis include heart failure, arrhythmia and cardiac arrest.
Exercise for Heart Strength
A narrow aortic valve makes it difficult for your heart to pump enough blood to keep up with oxygen demands of the body. Additionally, the stenotic valve makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood to itself. If you have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis, regular aerobic exercise is necessary to maintain healthy heart muscle. Your goal for exercise should be to increase your heart and respiratory rate gradually. Pay close attention to your body and always stop if you experience chest pain or severe shortness of breath. Remember that your heart does not pump blood as efficiently as it should so it is crucial to avoid pushing yourself too hard. Short periods of regular aerobic exercise will serve to keep your heart strong without overworking it.
Expert Insight
According to the Cleveland Clinic, isometric exercise such as weightlifting and other heavy exertional activities should be avoided if you have aortic stenosis. Exercises involving strenuous arm work are detrimental in patients as they dramatically increase pressure in blood vessels, which further contributes to the inability of the heart to eject blood. Instead, you should practice rhythmic, low-impact exercise using large muscle groups such as your legs. Biking is an ideal example of exercise if you have aortic stenosis.
Applications
It is crucial to have a detailed discussion with your doctor about the appropriate exercise routine for your condition. The variation in aortic stenosis severity is wide and requires a thorough physical examination for proper assessment. However, keeping your heart strong will help prevent the complications of aortic stenosis as well as improve your quality of living.
