Approximately 5.8 million people in the United States have heart failure, according to 2010 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, 670,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, with the most common causes being lifestyle-influenced conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. Committing to an exercise program is vital not only to lower your risk of heart failure but also to improve your quality of life if you've already been diagnosed with the condition.
Identification
Heart failure is a condition in which the organ is no longer pumping an adequate amount of blood for your body due to damage or weakness. Heart attacks, coronary heart disease and arrhythmias are some of the causes of heart failure. Other conditions that you may not associate with the heart also contribute to its failure; these include anemia, thyroid disorders and lupus. While some causes cannot be prevented, such as congenital defects, lifestyle factors influence many of these conditions.
Symptoms
Heart failure symptoms may vary depending on whether you've had the condition for a long period of time or are experiencing sudden complications. Chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulty and fatigue are common symptoms. You may also have a persistent cough that produces white or pink phlegm in addition to swelling in the abdomen and limbs. Cognitive difficulty and exercise intolerance may occur as well.
Benefits of Exercise
Although you may not be able to reverse heart failure, you can reduce complications by maintaining an active lifestyle. In fact, engaging in regular physical activity can strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure and reduce your weight -- all key factors in managing heart failure. A research review published in April 2010 in the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" reveals that exercise-based rehabilitation reduces hospitalizations and exercise intolerance in heart failure patients. It also improves quality of life, according to the study.
Exercise Recommendations
Aerobic exercise, such as walking or biking, is essential for improving your cardiovascular function. You can find walking programs designed for heart patients at local hospitals and community centers. However, you need to discuss any exercise plan with your doctor to ensure it's safe for your participation. Make sure that you start out slow when you begin exercising, particularly if you typically have a sedentary lifestyle. The Cleveland Clinic emphasizes the importance of warming up before and cooling down after exercise; in fact, you may experience dizziness or an irregular heartbeat if you stand still, sit or lie down right after physical activity. You should also wait at least 90 minutes after eating before engaging in aerobic exercise.
Treatment Methods
While lifestyle changes are important, receiving medical care is vital for your condition. Certain prescription drugs and medical procedures can be used to treat heart failure. Common medications include beta blockers, diuretics and ACE inhibitors that widen blood vessels. In some cases, you may need to have a surgical procedure to manage your condition. Coronary bypass surgery, defibrillator implantation, heart valve repair and heart transplants are some of the surgical options available.
