If you have heart disease, or you’ve undergone heart surgery, it’s important to factor in some form of exercise into your daily routine, helping to keep your condition under control. The more physical activity you do, the better, especially when it comes to strengthening your heart muscle, helping you to manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Here are a few exercises that you can do, as well as the benefits of regular exercise.

The Benefits

There are so many benefits that come with doing regular exercise, especially for those who have heart problems. Not only can exercise make your heart muscle stronger, it can reduce chest pains and other symptoms too. If you have diabetes, regular exercise can help you stay in control of your blood sugar levels. You can also lose weight from working out, making you feel better. Exercise will also keep your bones strong, enabling you to be more active and independent.

Types of Exercises

You may be surprised at just how many activities you can do, even if you have a heart problem. If you like aerobic activities like swimming, biking, walking, or light jogging, it’s always best to start off slow, rather than rushing to the deep end. Before you begin an activity, you should do 5 minutes of moving around or stretching which will warm your muscles and get your heart going. If you feel tired, it’s advised to take rest periods.

Know Your Limits

If you are finding exercise a struggle, or it’s putting too much strain on your heart, it’s best that you stop immediately. There are several symptoms to look out for, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, an irregular heartbeat, and dizziness. It’s important that you don’t ignore these warning signs, as you could be at risk of causing serious damage to your health. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout your work out, and if things get too much, give yourself a rest until you feel better. No matter what types of symptoms you have, make sure to write them down and what time of the day they occur which you can pass over to your doctor.

Seek Help

Scheduling an appointment with your doctor before you begin exercising is the best way to go. Seeking medical advice can put your mind at ease and give you more information on what types of activities and exercises are right for you. Your doctor will be able to keep track of your heart problem and give advice on whether you should continue with your exercise. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always advised to see a professional. You must remember that doctors are there to help you, so if you have a heart problem, it’s important that you keep in regular contact.

Once you’ve been given the go ahead, there are also several safety precautions that you can take at home. If you plan to do exercises in the home, having a medical alert system in place will mean that you can get medical help in an instant, at a push of a button. Here is a list of the top rated medical alert systems, with discounts for AARP members.

Before you begin any exercise, it’s always best to consult with your doctor first, as they will give you the green light on what types of activities are suitable for you to do. When working out, make sure to pace yourself, avoid exercising outdoors in harsh temperatures, and stay hydrated throughout. Regular exercise can be a great way to strengthen your heart muscle, helping you to stay in control.