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Here are some things to discuss with the doctor:
- Medication changes. New medications can greatly affect your response to exercise; your loved one's doctor can tell you if his normal exercise routine is still safe.
- Heavy lifting. Make sure that lifting or pushing heavy objects and chores such as raking, shoveling, mowing, or scrubbing aren't off limits. Chores around the house can be tiring for some people; make sure your loved one only does what he's able to do without getting tired.
- Safe exercises. Get the doctor's approval before you let the patient lift weights, use a weight machine, jog, or swim.
Swimming is an aerobic exercise for heart patients. It’s very useful, and it can produce excellent results in a short period of time, particularly if you are not accustomed to body to building. Swimming should be done approximately 30 to 60 minutes daily for avoiding heart diseases.
Walking:
Walking is one of the simplest and most available aerobic exercises. Heart patient can vary the intensity to match his fitness level. Other than walking shoes, it does not require any special equipment. Walking is a good choice for starting their first exercise program. The older age heart patients can adopt this exercising routine as it is the best choice for them.
Cycling:
Cycling is another best exercise for avoiding heart diseases. Cycling is unique type of aerobic exercise with wide appeal and value. In this exercise you can use a stationary or regular bike. A program that combines walking and cycling may provide cardiovascular benefits without inducing the limiting pain as quickly. Cycling helps the heart without the mechanical stress on the back, hips, knees and ankles that walking can cause. Therefore, those with heart conditions should address a program with their physician before starting. Water aerobics and water walking are good alternatives for those with heart diseases. This exercise also gives attractive results in joint pain problems.
Stretching:
Stretching is another beast exercise for heart diseases. Stretching the arms and legs before and after exercising helps prepare the muscles for activity and helps prevent injury and muscle strain. Regular stretching also increases your range of motion and flexibility for aerobic exercises.
General workout tips for heart disease patients:
- Be sure any exercise is paced and balanced with rest.
- Avoid encouraging isometric exercises such as push-ups and sit-ups. Isometric exercises involve straining muscles against other muscles or an immovable object.
- Don't let the patient exercise outdoors when it is too cold, hot, or humid. High humidity may cause you to tire more quickly; extreme temperatures can interfere with circulation, make breathing difficult, and cause chest pain. Better choices are indoor activities such as mall walking.
- Make sure that one stays hydrated. It is important to drink water even before you feel thirsty, especially on hot days.
- Extremely hot and cold showers or sauna baths should be avoided after exercise. These extreme temperatures increase the workload on your heart.
- Have your loved one steer clear of exercise in hilly areas. If he must walk in steep areas, ask him to slow down when going uphill to avoid working too hard. Have him monitor his heart rate closely.
- If the patient's exercise program has been interrupted for a few days (for example, due to illness, vacation, or bad weather), ease him back into his routine. He should start with a reduced level of activity and gradually increase it until he's back where he started.
