Cardiomyopathy, which is the weakening of your heart muscle, the myocardium, can lead to sudden heart failure and death. The risk of this varies with age, sex and degree of cardiomyopathy, according to a 2000 study in the "The New England Journal of Medicine." Traditional methods of treatment involve continued care and medication. No exercise, diet or supplementation program should be considered without a careful and thorough consult with your treating physician.
Step 1
Walk for time at an easy pace. Do not attempt to set any distance or speed records. Track your walk times. Start by walking no more than 30 minutes three times a week. Rest one day in-between each walk.
Step 2
Discuss increases to your exercise regimen with your physician after you can comfortably manage three 30-minute sessions per week. If approved, you can increase your training volume.
Step 3
Add one extra walking session per week, until you are walking six times a week. Always rest at least one day. If at any time you feel your training volume causes you stress or strain, reduce your training volume and contact your physician.
Step 4
Alternate your training if you so desire. Swimming provides low-impact cardiovascular exercise. Again, keep the intensity low. Low-intensity exercise will strengthen your heart without straining it, according to the American Heart Association in a study published in "Circulation" in 1996.
Step 5
Supplement with 2g of fish oil per day. Do not add this to your diet without discussing with your physician. Fish oil supplementation may reduce the risk of hospitalization for cardiomyopathy, according to a 2011 study in the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology."
Tips and Warnings
- Discuss improvements and modifications in your training and diet with your physician. Also discuss diet effects, but a specific diet will depend upon the specifics of your condition.
- If you feel dizzy, faint or experience a sudden change in heart rate, stop exercising and contact your physician immediately.
Things You'll Need
- Fish oil
References
- The New England Journal of Medicine"; Magnitude of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Risk of Sudden Death in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy; P. Spirito, et al.; June 2005
- "Circulation"; Statement on Exercise: Benefits and Recommendations for Physical Activity Programs for All Americans; Gerald F. Fletcher, MD, et al.; 1996
- "Journal of the American College of Cardiology"; Effects of N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Left Ventricular Function and Functional Capacity in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy; S. Nodari, et al.; February 2011
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