Exercise Safety Tips for People With Heart Disease
SATURDAY, Feb. 23 (HealthDay News) -- People with heart disease
who want to exercise should first get the OK from their doctor and
then follow certain health and safety measures, according to the
American Council on Exercise.
Every exercise session should include at least a five-minute
warm-up and five-minute cool-down, which reduces the risk of oxygen
deprivation to the heart in response to sudden physical effort or
an abrupt end to exercise, the council advised in a recent news
release.
Do moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, for at
least 30 minutes on most -- and preferably all -- days of the
week.
People with heart disease need to closely monitor their exercise
intensity and stay within their individual heart-rate zone, which
is typically determined from a treadmill test conducted under the
supervision of a doctor.
Be cautious about doing vigorous exercise. If you plan to start
a vigorous exercise program, discuss it with your doctor and be
sure to complete an exercise stress test first, the council
said.
Tell your trainer and doctor if you have any abnormal signs or
symptoms before, during or after exercise. These include: chest
pain, extreme fatigue, indigestion or heartburn, excessive
breathlessness, ear or neck pain, upper respiratory tract
infection, dizziness or racing heart, and severe headache.
If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin, be sure to always
carry it with you during exercise. Never exert yourself to the
point of developing chest pain. If you do experience chest pain,
call 911 immediately.
Be sure that your exercise facility is well equipped in case of
a heart emergency. Ask if it has an emergency response plan and an
automated external defibrillator and staff who know how to use
it.
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