Multiple factors contribute to heart failure, so no single treatment can reverse all the damage done. But lifestyle modifications may significantly enhance quality of life and slow progression of symptoms.
Exercise can play an especially vital role, according to Levine. Exercise may help those diagnosed with heart failure at late middle age whose hearts still retain some plasticity and ability to remodel themselves by strengthening the cardiovascular system through regular physical activity.
Exercises for Heart Failure
As heart failure causes organs to work harder, symptoms often include breathlessness and exhaustion – making this condition understandable. But according to one study, exercise could actually alleviate such discomfort.
Researchers found that people in late middle age could reverse decades of sedentary living with just two years of aerobic exercise four to five days per week for two years – results published in Circulation journal.
Although the study was small, its findings demonstrate that exercise can aid in treating heart failure. Furthermore, exercise has been found to decrease medication requirements while simultaneously reducing symptoms and risk factors associated with heart failure.
Start slowly and build up to a routine gradually, waiting at least an hour after eating before engaging in exercise, adhering to fluid restrictions, and speaking to your physician first before beginning an exercise program can provide guidance as far as how much, how often, and which types of exercises would best meet your needs.
Exercises to Avoid
Many individuals living with heart failure cannot exercise and instead are advised to rest. But this approach could prove disastrous; lack of activity leads to weaker bodies which are more prone to health problems and may eventually result in sudden decline or even death.
Studies have demonstrated the positive benefits of regular exercise programs on everyday symptoms and hospital visits, while helping the heart work more efficiently.
Start any new exercise regiment off right by consulting a doctor, who can recommend an effective program and monitor you during physical activity. Furthermore, they may offer tips to make the regimen simpler.
People living with heart failure should limit the amount of liquid they drink, take diuretics if necessary, avoid salt-rich foods, and refrain from smoking (for real-life examples see the Heart Foundation website for “heart stories”). Achieve balance in liquid intake and food consumption to maintain an appropriate bodyweight is crucial.
Exercises to Perform
People living with heart failure sometimes mistakenly assume exercise will harm them; however, regular activity actually helps improve muscle and lung performance, relieving pressure off their heart. Walking can be particularly helpful, while low-impact exercises like swimming or yoga may be better choices.
Before undertaking any exercise program or increasing activity levels, it’s a good idea to consult your physician first. They can assist in finding suitable exercises tailored specifically for you and may suggest cardiac rehabilitation programs available through hospitals or community health services that could potentially be covered by your health insurance provider.
When starting an exercise routine, the optimal time to begin would likely be morning for those living with heart failure. Stretching prior to and post exercise may also help. After building up an initial 20 minute daily goal for exercise, try gradually increasing it until reaching 30-40 minutes per session on most days.
Exercises to Enjoy
Exercise may leave you breathless and fatigued; but knowing which exercises are safe to undertake and the amount of exertion involved can give you confidence to get active again.
Starting is easier when you consult with your physician or occupational therapist about which activities would best meet your needs. They can work together with you to design a program that is both safe and effective.
Start out with low-impact aerobic activity such as walking, swimming or light jogging – aim to do 30 minutes three or four times per week; allow at least an hour after eating before engaging in this form of physical activity.
One study demonstrated how exercise improved the health and quality of life of people living with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). HFpEF occurs when blood does not properly fill between heartbeats but still pumps effectively; exercise has proven especially helpful for improving quality of life among these individuals
