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Exercise and Congestive Heart Failure
For many years patients who had congestive heat failure (CHF) were advised to avoid physical activity. However, recent studies have shown that patients who are able to exercise should do so in moderation. Be sure to consult your doctor prior to starting an exercise program.
General Guidelines: Before you begin an exercise program, your doctor will prescribe mediation to manage your heart failure as well as possible. He/she may also give you and exercise "stress test" to see how your body responds to exercise and determine a safe, effective level of exercise.
Types of exercise usually recommended for patients with heart failure include walking, stationary bicycle, treadmill and swimming. The first step in exercising safely begins with interval training, in which you exercise for a few minutes and then rest. This alternating pattern gives you the benefits of exercise without undue strain. Gradually, you can increase the time and pace as you grow stronger. Ideally, you eventually exercise for 30-40 minutes three to five times a week.
For example: Begin by walking or stationary biking for 2 minutes at a comfortable pace. Rest for 1 minute. Alternate 2 minutes of exercise followed by 1 minute of rest. Repeat this five times, until you have exercised for a total of 10 minutes. Over four weeks, gradually increase the exercise period to about 4 minutes at a time alternating with a 2 minute rest period until your total exercise time is 30 minutes per session. You can also increase your pace little by little, as long as you can breathe and talk comfortably while exercising. Gradually increase the sessions to 40 minutes. You may keep or eliminate the rest stops as long as you always exercise at a pace in which you can carry on a short conversation without being out of breath. Vary your program. If you walk for exercise one month, try a stationary bike the next. Or do both, alternating your exercise time between bicycling and walking. This makes workouts more interesting!
Avoid isometric exercise, such as lifting heavy weights, which require holding your breath, bearing down and sudden bursts of energy, outdoor exercise when it is too windy, cold, hot or humid. Avoid exercising on a full stomach. Exercise on any empty stomach (or 90 minutes after a meal).
Exercise regularly within your doctor's guidelines. For most people with heart failure, it is better to stay active. Many people with heart failure may feel better with regular exercise. Regular exercise will enable you to walk farther, work or run errands with less fatigue and you will enjoy leisure activities for a longer period of time.
You may choose to exercise in a supervised cardiac rehabilitation program or a non-supervised program, such as a health club, recreation center, or at home. Follow you doctor's guidelines about exercise. Don't over do it!
Download a Daily Weights Chart to keep track of your weight, blood pressure and pulse.
For many years patients who had congestive heat failure (CHF) were advised to avoid physical activity. However, recent studies have shown that patients who are able to exercise should do so in moderation. Be sure to consult your doctor prior to starting an exercise program.
General Guidelines: Before you begin an exercise program, your doctor will prescribe mediation to manage your heart failure as well as possible. He/she may also give you and exercise "stress test" to see how your body responds to exercise and determine a safe, effective level of exercise.
Types of exercise usually recommended for patients with heart failure include walking, stationary bicycle, treadmill and swimming. The first step in exercising safely begins with interval training, in which you exercise for a few minutes and then rest. This alternating pattern gives you the benefits of exercise without undue strain. Gradually, you can increase the time and pace as you grow stronger. Ideally, you eventually exercise for 30-40 minutes three to five times a week.
For example: Begin by walking or stationary biking for 2 minutes at a comfortable pace. Rest for 1 minute. Alternate 2 minutes of exercise followed by 1 minute of rest. Repeat this five times, until you have exercised for a total of 10 minutes. Over four weeks, gradually increase the exercise period to about 4 minutes at a time alternating with a 2 minute rest period until your total exercise time is 30 minutes per session. You can also increase your pace little by little, as long as you can breathe and talk comfortably while exercising. Gradually increase the sessions to 40 minutes. You may keep or eliminate the rest stops as long as you always exercise at a pace in which you can carry on a short conversation without being out of breath. Vary your program. If you walk for exercise one month, try a stationary bike the next. Or do both, alternating your exercise time between bicycling and walking. This makes workouts more interesting!
Avoid isometric exercise, such as lifting heavy weights, which require holding your breath, bearing down and sudden bursts of energy, outdoor exercise when it is too windy, cold, hot or humid. Avoid exercising on a full stomach. Exercise on any empty stomach (or 90 minutes after a meal).
Exercise regularly within your doctor's guidelines. For most people with heart failure, it is better to stay active. Many people with heart failure may feel better with regular exercise. Regular exercise will enable you to walk farther, work or run errands with less fatigue and you will enjoy leisure activities for a longer period of time.
You may choose to exercise in a supervised cardiac rehabilitation program or a non-supervised program, such as a health club, recreation center, or at home. Follow you doctor's guidelines about exercise. Don't over do it!
Download a Daily Weights Chart to keep track of your weight, blood pressure and pulse.