Activity and exercise for heart failure
What do I need to know about exercise and heart failure?
Do not start exercising until you have talked with your doctor. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the American Heart Association recommend that your exercise program include activities that you can do at least 3 to 5 times a week.1, 2 You may need a day of rest between sessions. Exercise programs usually include:
- Stretching for 10 to 15 minutes, which helps warm up muscles before exercising. Beginning yoga or tai chi exercises might help increase your flexibility.
- Walking, cycling on a stationary bike, using a treadmill, doing low- or no-impact aerobics, and swimming, which all are exercises that strengthen your muscles, help you keep your balance, and improve your conditioning. Exercising for 20 to 30 minutes is recommended by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.
- Strength-building exercises using light weights, which helps increase the tone and strength of your muscles.
- A cool-down period. This means gradually stopping your exercise, such as walking at a slower pace for 5 to 10 minutes.
Test Your Knowledge
Your exercise program may include walking, riding a stationary exercise bicycle, using a treadmill, doing low-impact aerobics, and swimming.
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Why do I need a regular exercise program?
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: October 23, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology | |
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