Aerobic exercises improve endurance. They also help your heart, lungs, and blood vessels work better. They make you breathe harder and sweat a bit. Most of your workout should consist of aerobic exercises. Good choices include walking, biking, and swimming.
Strength exercises build muscle. They can also improve endurance, improve lean body mass, and reduce body fat percentage. Examples include lifting weights and using resistance bands. Most adults should do strength exercises at least 2 times a week.
Stretching exercises increase flexibility, balance, and posture. Stretching is also a good way to reduce stress.
Safety
-
Follow the guidelines your health care provider or cardiac rehab team has set for you.
-
If nitroglycerin has been prescribed, keep it with you when exercising. Take as directed. Call
911 if you have chest pain that is not relieved by resting or taking nitroglycerin. Don't drive yourself to the emergency room. Call an ambulance or have someone else take you. It can be dangerous to drive if you are having a heart attack or after taking medicines that affect your blood pressure. -
Report any changes in symptoms, such as pain or shortness of breath, to your provider or rehab staff right away.
-
Besides keeping track of your symptoms, track your heart rate and blood pressure.
-
Slowly increase the level of exercise over several weeks. Don't feel as if you have to push 100% from the start.
-
Don't exercise right after eating large meals in very hot or cold temperatures. These events can increase the stress on your heart.
Related Articles
Understanding Remote Pulmonary Artery Pressure Monitoring
Remote pulmonary artery pressure monitoring is used to manage heart failure. It can tell if your heart failure is getting worse before you even notice any changes to your condition.
Taking Potassium
Potassium supplements help replace potassium your body as lost. This can happen if you take a water pill (diuretic), or because of a medical condition. Read on for tips on how to take potassium, as well as safety advice.
Living with Heart Failure: Goals for Management
Heart failure is a long-term condition that you need to manage over time. It’s important that you manage it with your doctor's help.
Heart Failure: Making Changes to Your Diet
When you have heart failure, excess fluid is more likely to build up in your body. This makes the heart work harder to pump blood. Controlling the amount of salt (sodium) you eat may help prevent fluid from building up. Read on for some helpful ways to reduce salt.
