Heart failure: Activity and exercise
Introduction
When you have heart failure, it is very important to exercise regularly. If you are not already active, your doctor may want you to begin an exercise program. Of course, a safe level of exercise will depend on your specific diagnosis and stage of heart failure. But even if you can only do a small amount of exercise, it is better than not doing any exercise at all.
Key points
- Have a checkup before beginning an exercise program. Your doctor probably will do an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) and possibly an exercise stress test to see how much activity your heart can safely handle.
- Your doctor may recommend a supervised cardiac rehabilitation program at a local hospital or clinic. For more information, see the topic Cardiac Rehabilitation.
- Start out slowly, exercising for only a few minutes at a comfortable rate. Then each day, try gradually to increase the length of time and the intensity of your workout.
- You should not exercise during times when your heart failure is not under control.
- Set goals that you can reach. If you expect too much, you are likely to become discouraged and to stop exercising.
What do I need to know about exercise and heart failure?
Why do I need a regular exercise program?
How can I get started on an exercise program?
Where to go from here
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| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: September 1, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology | |
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