How to Safely Exercise With a Heart Condition

 Most people know regular exercise supports heart health. But if you already have a heart condition, you probably also know how too much physical stress can affect your heart’s function. Unsurprisingly, many people with heart issues worry about how much exercise is safe — and that often leads them to give up exercise altogether.

At Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, John Terzian, MD, FACC, and his team of skilled cardiology specialists understand these concerns and address them. In this post, learn how to continue enjoying regular exercise while staying mindful of your heart. 

Don’t exercise without your doctor’s OK

Before starting or changing any exercise routine, schedule an evaluation with our team so we can help determine a safe and optimal routine for you. Depending on your underlying disease and other risk factors, we may recommend a stress test, rhythm monitoring, medication adjustment, or other steps.

We can also make recommendations regarding the frequency and intensity of your exercise routine, as well as teach you to identify potential warning signs to help you stay safe as you get fit. This personalized plan reduces your risk of overexertion, providing greater peace of mind so you feel more confident, too.

Choose heart-friendly activities

Most of us understand how to select exercises based on our fitness goals or sports activities, but if you have a heart condition, you need to consider your underlying medical needs, too. Generally speaking, low- to moderate-intensity activities are good choices. That includes activities like walking, hiking, swimming, and cycling, along with active hobbies, like gardening. 

Strength training can also add benefits as long as it’s not too strenuous. Avoid activities that require sudden bursts of exertion, including most high-impact sports. Once again, our team can help you select the best activities for your health, your fitness goals, and your overall enjoyment.

Warm up and cool down

Warming up before any type of exercise supports your muscles and joints, and it’s good for your heart, too. Gradually increasing intensity gives your blood vessels and circulation time to adjust, reducing stress on your heart muscle and reducing your risk of other injuries, too.

Cooling down is also important. When you’re through exercising, the cool-down period readjusts your circulation, preventing dizziness that can happen if your heart rate and blood pressure suddenly drop.

Set a schedule

Once we’ve given you the “OK” for your exercise routine, maintain that level of physical activity on a regular basis to help your heart stay healthy and avoid the strain that can occur if you stay away from your activity for a long time. At the same time, don’t overdo it.

Sticking to a regular exercise schedule and spreading out your activities throughout the week gives your heart and muscles time to recover while also reducing the risk of strain. In fact, to maintain heart health, the American Heart Association recommends spreading out exercise in shorter sessions spaced out over 5-7 days for maximum heart benefits. Your routine will be based on your heart’s specific needs.

Listen to your body

As you exercise, pay close attention to any subtle signals your body “sends” you. Using a wearable heart rate monitoring device, like a smartwatch, helps track how well your heart responds, and many treadmills and other cardio machines include built-in pulse monitors.

If you notice any unusual symptoms, like chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or changes in heartbeat, stop immediately and monitor your condition. Always aim to exercise with a partner (wise advice with or without a heart condition) so someone is there to seek medical help if needed.

Drink plenty of water

When your body is hydrated, your heart pumps blood more easily throughout your body. That especially matters during exercise, when the demands on your heart increase. Staying hydrated also helps your muscles work more efficiently, further decreasing the strain on your heart.

Always keep a water bottle with you during exercise and take frequent water breaks to stay hydrated throughout play, not just before and after. Sports drinks with electrolytes may be helpful, as well, but before making any sports drink part of your routine, ask our team if these drinks are a healthy choice for your specific concerns.

Staying safe while staying active

Living with a heart condition doesn’t require giving up on physical activity. With a little preplanning, you can continue to enjoy an active lifestyle focused on helping you stay healthy and engaged. 

To learn how to exercise safely, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, today.