Activity and exercise for heart failure
How can I get started on an exercise program?
You can get started by doing the following:
- Have a thorough physical exam before starting any exercise program. Your doctor may do an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) and possibly an exercise stress test to see what level of activity your heart can handle.
- Make a list of questions to discuss with your doctor. Do this before your appointment. For some general questions, see the exercise planning sheet
(What is a PDF document?).
- Make an exercise plan together with your doctor. An exercise program usually consists of stretching, activities that increase your heart rate (aerobic exercise), and strength training (lifting light weights). Visit a library or bookstore for information on exercise programs. Join a health club, walking group, or YMCA. Many cities have senior centers that offer inexpensive exercise programs. See the Other Places to Get Help section of the topic Heart Failure for additional resources.
- Learn how to check your heart rate. See taking a pulse
. Your doctor can tell you how fast your pulse (target heart rate) should be when you exercise.
- Start out slowly. Try parking farther away from the store or walk the mall before shopping. Over time, you will increase your ability to do more.
- Keep a record of your daily exercise. It is okay to skip a day occasionally or to cut back on your exercise if you are too tired or not feeling well.
Tips for exercise success
- Set realistic goals. If you expect too much, you are likely to become discouraged and to stop exercising.
- Choose a type of exercise that you enjoy.
- Give yourself time. It can take months to get into the habit of exercising. After a few months, you may find that you are looking forward to it.
- Stay with it. It can be hard to stick with an exercise plan. Try exercising with a friend—it is much easier to continue an exercise program if you are exercising with someone else.
- Reward yourself. Build in rewards along the way that help you continue your program.
When starting an exercise program, keep the following precautions in mind:
- Pace yourself by alternating exercises. Rotate light workouts, such as short walks, with more strenuous exercises, such as low-impact aerobics or swimming.
- Avoid exercising outdoors in extreme temperatures or high humidity. When the weather is bad, try exercising indoors at a gym or walking at a mall.
- Avoid exercises that require or encourage holding your breath, such as push-ups, sit-ups, and isometric exercises. Also avoid heavy lifting.
- If you develop palpitations, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or dizziness or lightheadedness, stop exercising and rest. Call your doctor if these symptoms don't go away.
- Do not take hot or cold showers or sauna baths after exercising. Moderate temperatures are best—very hot or very cold temperatures can be dangerous.
- Ask your doctor about continuing your exercise program if your medicines change. New medicines can affect how fast your heart beats and how you feel when you exercise.
- Don't take naps or lie down after exercise because that reduces exercise tolerance. Instead, sit down to rest.
- Take your pulse frequently or wear a heart rate monitor and keep your pulse within the range your doctor sets. Watch your pulse when walking up hills or stairs.
- Be aware of how you feel while exercising. You should be able to talk easily without being out of breath.
- Make sure you adjust your exercise program if it is interrupted for more than just a couple of days. Gradually increase to your regular activity level as tolerated.
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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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