A diagnosis of heart failure can feel overwhelming for anyone. For many patients, one of the first fears that sets in is whether physical activity will make their condition worse. Cardiologists say among the most common questions asked of them include, “Will exercise overstrain my heart?” or “Should I avoid movement altogether?” These are common and completely understandable. But cardiologists say this fear, while natural, is often misplaced.
Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working. It means the heart’s pumping ability is weaker than normal, making it harder to supply the body with adequate oxygen-rich blood. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, swelling in the legs, and reduced stamina. “Moving slowly and steadily, exercises aid in improving circulation, making the muscles firmer, reducing blood pressure, and helping the body to utilize oxygen efficiently. It also helps the mental well-being of a person by reducing anxiety and depression that is common in heart failure patients,” said Dr Akhil Kumar Rustagi, Senior Director & HOD – Cardiac Sciences, ShardaCare-Healthcity.
However, avoiding activity altogether can actually worsen the symptoms over time.
According to Dr Rustagi, for most stable heart failure patients, aerobic and low-impact activities are recommended:
It is one of the safest and most effective forms of exercise. Start with 10–15 minutes and gradually build up to 30 minutes most days of the week.
Allows controlled intensity and reduces strain on joints.
The buoyancy of water reduces stress on the body while providing a full-body workout.
Using light weights or resistance bands 2-3 times a week can improve muscle strength, balance, and daily functioning.
“The warm-up and the cool-down must be included in the exercises to avoid a sharp change in the heart rate or blood pressure,” Dr Rustagi added.
For most stable heart failure patients, aerobic and low-impact activities are recommended
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