Patients with heart failure often do not undertake any physical activity, which they argue is due to lack of strength, fear of exertion. Most of them do not know how important sport is. Exercise is supposed to improve overall cardiovascular function, affect muscular strength and endurance. Physical activity can have a significant impact on reducing mortality and hospitalisation rates, improve exercise tolerance , quality of life, and contribute to well-being. Physical exercise is recommended for all stable patients with chronic heart failure.
Physical activity in heart failure - Symptoms and course
Which sport to choose?
People with heart failure should exercise regularly; exercise should be adapted to the degree of heart failure and the patient himself. In the beginning, it is advisable for exercise to be supervised.
Patients should avoid exertion:
- lying down,
- lifting the upper limbs over the head,
- lifting heavy objects,
- prolonged.
It is important to learn to breathe rationally, through breathing exercises. Swimming, cycling are good suggestions. Rhythmic exercises with low resistance limited to a small part of the muscles play a beneficial role in improving muscle strength. In people with advanced heart failure, after heart attacks; there are various cardiac rehabilitation programmes in which such people should participate. At the end of such a programme, it is important to continue exercising at home, as Cessation of exercise results in the loss of the health benefits gained after only about three weeks.
When to go to the doctor and treat
People with heart failure should seek advice from a physiotherapist or doctor on contraindicated and indicated exercise. Do not undertake strenuous exercise without consultation, as unsuitable "sport" can exacerbate heart failure.
