Heart in Motion: Mastering Exercise with Heart Conditions
- Posted on: Sep 20 2023
Exercising regularly is one of the best things you can do if you have a heart condition. Exercise can strengthen your heart muscle and help you manage your blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol. It can also help you lose excess weight.
Here’s a brief guide to mastering exercise with heart conditions and requesting an appointment with Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates if you need to see a cardiologist.
The Best Exercises For Heart Health
Any type of exercise is great for your heart health, though certain activities may be better than others if you are living with a heart condition.
Some of the best exercises for heart conditions include:
- Walking. This aerobic exercise can reduce joint pain and strengthen your immune system and is one of the easiest ways to stay active. Go for a 15- to 30-minute walk at least three to four times a week.
- HCA Walk with a Doc Events. Every year during the warmer months, HCA hosts Walk with a Doc events. This is a national initiative that invites patients to add exercise to their healthly heart regimen while having the opportunity to have their questions answered by HCA physicians.
- Running. Jogging and running can help your heart stay strong. Go for a run a few times a week, and do less intense activities on other days.
- Swimming. Swimming puts less strain on your joints and can improve your heart and lung health. Aim to swim for at least 30 minutes daily, and consider joining a water aerobics class.
- Yoga. Yoga has many benefits for heart health, as it can reduce stress, cholesterol, and blood pressure while also strengthening your heart and other muscles. Attend yoga classes at least twice a week to improve your heart health.
Consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, as your doctor can suggest the best ways to stay active with your type of heart condition.
Signs That Exercise Is Putting Excess Strain on Your Heart
At all times when exercising, pay close attention to the way you feel and take note of any problematic symptoms. Stop exercising right away if you think your activity is putting too much strain on your heart.
Symptoms you may experience if exercise is causing too much heart strain include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Chest pain
- Irregular pulse or heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
When to See a Cardiologist
Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your cardiologist if you think your heart condition is worsening or if you experience new symptoms.
Here are other signs it’s time to see your cardiologist:
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain, pressure, heaviness, or tightness in your chest, arm, jaw, or neck
- Painful ingestion
- Numbness in the arms
- Excess sweating
- Lightheadedness
- Difficulty with performing your usual exercise routine
Your cardiologist can perform an exam and discuss the next steps if treatment is needed.
Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates is committed to providing the highest quality of care in a patient-centered environment. Our offices are conveniently located in Flemington, Clinton, and Bridgewater. We have subspecialty clinics available to ensure our patients receive the proper care for their condition. Contact HCA today at (908) 788-1710 to make an appointment with one of our cardiologists.
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