Heart valve failure is a medical emergency that can cause a potentially fatal heart failure. When your heart valves fail, they become unable to move the blood pumped by your heart to the rest of your body, depriving your organs of essential oxygen. Even before a heart valve failure, valvular defects force your heart to work much harder to circulate blood, which reduces oxygen levels and increases your risk for heart attack or stroke. While exercise cannot prevent some of the causes of valve disease and heart valve failure, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to promote cardiovascular health.
Valve Disease
Valve disease has a variety of potential causes, and can eventually lead to heart valve failure. Some types of valve disease are congenital, meaning you are born with valves that don’t work properly, while others can be caused by viral or bacterial infections that attack and damage the valves of your heart. However, valve disease can also be caused by cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, clogged arteries due to high cholesterol and valve damage during a heart attack, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Exercise and Heart Health
Regular exercise is important in preventing cardiovascular conditions that can lead to heart valve failure. At least 30 minutes per day of an aerobic activity, such as walking, cycling or swimming, helps reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and valve failure, as well as preventing other serious medical conditions, such as cancer. According to MayoClinic.com, exercise can be broken up into 10-minute sessions throughout the day without losing any beneficial health effects, so keep that in mind on days you feel too busy to exercise.
Importance of Diet
Exercise is an important part of preventable heart valve failure, but healthy dietary habits are an essential part of prevention as well. Whole grains, healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil and fish, legumes, such as beans and nuts, and fruits and vegetables are all important sources of the nutrients and fiber your body needs to keep your heart strong and maintain low cholesterol. In addition, avoid unhealthy fats that can damage your arteries and increase your blood pressure, such as saturated and trans fats, suggests the American Heart Association.
Additional Considerations
If you are at risk for heart valve failure, or any type of cardiovascular disease, it is important that you consult your physician before starting an exercise program. Strenuous physical activity can be dangerous for individuals with heart problems, especially if they are unaccustomed to vigorous exercise. Ask your physician to help you develop an exercise program that is appropriate and safe for you. In addition, if your valve disease is caused by infection or a congenital birth defect, you may need medical intervention. Don’t use exercise as an excuse to avoid consulting a qualified medical professional.
