Exercise for a Healthy Heart

Happy American Heart Month! With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we know the health of your loved one’s heart is super important to you. We have some good and bad news. The bad news is heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the US. The good news is the cure is EXERCISE!

Benefits of Exercise

• Reduces blood pressure
• Reduces the risk of having a second heart attack for those who have already had one
• Lowers both total blood cholesterol and triglycerides and increases high-density lipoproteins
• Increases energy
• Improves strength
• Helps maintain a healthy weight
• Decreases feelings of depression and anxiety

Exercise Program Tips by the American Heart Association

• Include aerobic activity at a moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week for a total of 150 minutes
• Incorporate muscle strength training at a moderate to high intensity at least 2 days per week

Safety Tips & Precautions

Use the Talk Test to determine your intensity. A person who is active at a LIGHT intensity level should be able to sing while doing the activity. One who is active at a MODERATE intensity level should be able to carry on a conversation comfortably while doing another activity. If a person becomes winded or too short of breath unable to carry on a conversation, the activity can be considered VIGOROUS.

You can sit and rest at any time and to go at your own pace. Stop exercising if you experience chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, light-headedness or dizziness, nausea, numbness or tingling, increased pain more than usual, headache not present previously.

Your heart is key to your long term well-being. Make a healthy choice and contact your physical therapist to create a customized exercise program. This will improve your heart function and quality of life.

Live Your Life HEART HEALTHY!

Dr. Eva Norman
President & Founder
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Live Your Life^TM