Heart diseases require careful management, and exercise is an important component in the management of heart diseases. However, patients with heart ailments should not engage in high-intensity interval training (HIIT), weight training, or endurance activities such as marathon running. These activities can put strain on the heart and can lead to complications.
People with heart conditions should consult their cardiologists before engaging in any form of exercise. Although exercise is generally good for the heart, certain forms of exercise are actually dangerous for people with heart conditions. It is also important to know what activities should be avoided to prevent complications and maintain your health. Here, we’ll explore five exercises that patients with heart ailments must avoid and why, along with safe alternatives and tips for heart-healthy workouts. Let’s dive into the details and understand how to exercise safely when dealing with heart conditions.
Understanding Heart Ailments and Common Types
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Heart diseases affect the heart in terms of its function and structure. Common heart ailments are:
- Coronary artery disease (blockage of the heart arteries)
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- Pericardial disease
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
- Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
- Congenital heart disease (disease of the sac that surrounds the heart)
5 Exercises to Avoid If You Have Heart Ailments
Below are five exercises that should be avoided by individuals with heart conditions.
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Why Avoid HIIT?
- Intense Cardiovascular Strain: HIIT entails a series of activities that are performed at high intensity and then followed by periods of rest. Such exercise exerts a lot of pressure on the heart and is not advisable for people with heart problems.
- Risk of Arrhythmias: The fluctuations in heart rate during HIIT can cause arrhythmias in patients with heart complications due to the intensity of the workouts.
- Increased Blood Pressure: HIIT is very rigorous, and this can lead to a sudden rise in blood pressure. This is dangerous for the heart as it may lead to heart attack or stroke.
Safer Alternatives
- Moderate-intensity Continuous Exercise: Other forms of exercise, such as walking, cycling at a moderate pace, or swimming, are less riskier than HIIT while offering cardiovascular benefits.
- Gradual Progression: It is recommended to begin with low impact activities and progress to higher impact activities under the guidance of a cardiologist.
- Heavy Weightlifting
Why Avoid Heavy Weightlifting?
- Excessive Pressure on the Heart: Weight lifting results in a sharp rise in blood pressure and the rate of heartbeat, thus exerting pressure on the heart.
- Risk of Valsalva Maneuver: This is a technique in which one stops breathing during weight lifting, which causes a sharp increase in blood pressure and a decrease in blood supply to the heart.
Safer Alternatives
- Light to Moderate Weightlifting: Performing many repetitions with small weights can assist in building strength without putting much pressure on the heart.
- Resistance Bands: These are safer forms of strength training and can be customised to the user’s fitness level.
- Competitive Sports
Why Avoid Competitive Sports?
- High Stress Levels: Sports competition entails physical and mental strain, which is dangerous for heart patients.
- Unpredictable Intensity: In competitive sports, the level of intensity can be raised and lowered at any time, which can cause fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure.
Safer Alternatives
- Recreational Activities: Leisure sports such as casual tennis, golf, or swimming can offer cardiovascular benefits without the pressure of competitive sports.
- Structured Exercise Programmes: Participate in formal exercise programmes that are recommended for heart patients so that the intensity and duration of the exercises are gradually increased.
- Endurance Sports
Why Avoid Endurance Sports?
- Prolonged Physical Strain: Endurance activities such as marathon running or cycling place prolonged pressure on the heart, which is not advisable for people with heart complications.
- Risk of Overexertion: Endurance sports take longer to complete, and this can cause the body to be overworked, which may lead to heart attack or other heart complications.
Safer Alternatives
- Shorter Duration Activities: Choose activities that can be done for a shorter period, for example, walking or light jogging, and do not overstrain your cardiovascular system.
- Interval Training: Do interval training with longer rest periods and lower intensity to reduce the stress on the heart for an extended period.
- High-impact Aerobics
Why Avoid High-impact Aerobics?
- Sudden Movements: High impact aerobics include movements that are sharp and forceful and these are likely to increase the rate of heartbeat and blood pressure.
- Joint Stress: This type of exercise can also put a lot of pressure on the joints, which is not good for people with other illnesses apart from heart diseases.
Safer Alternatives
- Low-impact Aerobics: Low-impact exercises such as dancing and water exercises like water aerobics and Tai Chi are some of the best exercises that can be recommended for patients with heart and joint issues.
- Stretching and Flexibility Exercises: Integrate stretching and flexibility exercises to enhance the general fitness level and prevent injuries.
For tailored advice on safe exercises for heart conditions, schedule a consultation with Dr Robert Mao, one of the best cardiologists in Chennai.
Additional Tips for Safe Exercise with Heart Conditions
- As with any exercise programme, it is advisable to seek the advice of a cardiologist to create an exercise routine that is suitable for your heart condition.
- Periodic check-ups to assess your heart condition and modify your exercise routine is necessary.
- Monitor your pulse during exercise to make sure it does not rise above the dangerous level.
- Do not overexert or strain yourself.
- Drink water before, during, and after exercising to keep your heart in its best shape.
- Begin with a progressive warm-up to get the heart rate up and the muscles ready for activity.
- Have a cool-down session to reduce the rate of heart beating and avoid a drastic change in blood pressure.
- Look out for signs including chest pains, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, and excessive tiredness.
- If you feel any pain or have any signs of discomfort, stop exercising and consult a doctor if needed.
Exercise is a crucial part of heart health, but it should not be done without precautions and must be practised under the supervision of a cardiologist. This means that one should avoid activities that are high-intensity, heavy, and competitive, as these put a lot of pressure on the heart. However, it is better to stick to moderate exercises that are not only good for the heart but also do not pose the dangers associated with the above activities.
For expert advice and personalised care for heart conditions, book an appointment through Apollo with Dr Robert Mao, one of the best cardiologists in Chennai.
