Cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regular exercise can help prevent heart disease and also help reverse some of its effects if you already suffer from it. Both aerobic exercise and strength training routines can be beneficial types of exercises for managing your heart disease.
Considerations
Always visit with your doctor before starting an exercise routine if you have heart disease. Your doctor may recommend an exercise stress test to see which types of exercises are safe for you and if you will be able to safely exercise without medical supervision. Once you are cleared for exercise, if you experience any abnormal shortness of breath, dizziness or an irregular heartbeat, stop exercising immediately and contact your doctor.
Aerobic Exercise
The American College of Sports Medicine, or ACSM, recommends aerobic exercise for patients with cardiovascular disease. It suggests brisk walking, swimming, cycling and running as aerobic exercises that may be appropriate. It recommends between 20 and 40 minutes of aerobic exercise on at least three days each week, depending on your specific condition and your doctor's instructions. Exercise at an intensity that increases your heart rate and breathing, but one that does not increase your heart disease symptoms.
Strength Training
Strength training exercises can also be appropriate for you, even if you suffer from heart disease. ACSM recommends choosing exercises that target your major muscle groups at least two times each week. Always use slow, controlled movements when doing muscle-strengthening exercises and always maintain a regular breathing pattern. Lifting light weights and using resistance bands for your exercises may be beneficial, especially if you are new to strength training.
Benefits
Regular exercise can help you lower your risk of having another cardiovascular event, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. As you exercise, your heart becomes stronger and more efficient. This helps you get more blood and other nutrients to your body with less strain on your heart. Regular exercise can also help you lower your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Regular aerobic and strength training exercises can also help you lose weight, which helps reduce other complications and risk factors of heart disease.
References
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heart Disease Facts
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Exercise - Exercise's Effects on the Heart
- "ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription"; Walter R. Thompson, Ph.D., ed.; 2010
- American College of Sports Medicine: Exercise for Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
- Ohio State University Medical Center: The Benefits of Exercise for People with Heart Disease
