Heart Health: A Physical Therapy Approach

Physical therapists are health professionals trained to improve movement and function. When it comes to heart health, they play a vital role in guiding individuals through safe and effective exercises tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’re recovering from a heart attack, surgery, or managing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease, physical therapy can help improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of further complications.

Here’s how physical therapy contributes to heart health:

1. Improved Cardiovascular Fitness

One of the most important benefits of physical therapy is its ability to improve cardiovascular fitness. Cardiovascular exercise (or aerobic exercise) helps strengthen the heart muscle, improve blood flow, and increase endurance. A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program that gradually increases in intensity, enabling patients to safely challenge their cardiovascular system without overexerting themselves. This is especially important for individuals recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery, as physical therapists can monitor progress and adjust the intensity based on recovery.

2. Lowering Blood Pressure

Physical therapy exercises, especially those that incorporate aerobic training, have been shown to help lower blood pressure.¹  Regular movement encourages blood flow, which can help manage hypertension and reduce the strain on the heart. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that improve blood circulation, promote healthy heart function, and ultimately help you maintain a normal blood pressure range.

3. Increased Strength and Mobility

After a heart-related event, patients often experience a decrease in overall strength and mobility. This can result from extended bed rest, surgery, or the general physical decline that occurs after a cardiac event. Physical therapy focuses on improving muscle strength, joint mobility, and overall physical function. By addressing these issues, physical therapy can help patients regain their ability to perform daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or lifting objects, all of which contribute to better heart health.

4. Breathing and Respiratory Support

Heart disease and certain cardiovascular conditions often lead to difficulty breathing, especially during exertion. Physical therapists often incorporate breathing exercises into rehabilitation programs to help patients optimize oxygen intake and manage shortness of breath. These exercises can improve lung capacity, reduce fatigue, and allow individuals to engage more comfortably in physical activity, further benefiting cardiovascular health.

5. Prevention of Future Heart Issues

Even if you’re not recovering from a cardiac event, physical therapy can play a key role in heart disease prevention. By engaging in regular, structured physical activity under the guidance of a therapist, individuals can reduce their risk factors for heart disease, including obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Physical therapy can also help people understand the importance of posture, balance, and movement mechanics—skills that can reduce strain on the heart and body over time.

Why Choose Physical Therapy for Heart Health?

Physical therapy offers several advantages over simply relying on self-directed exercises or medications for heart health. Here is why it can be a vital part of your heart-health journey:

Personalized Programs: Physical therapists tailor programs to your specific needs, taking into account your health history, physical condition, and recovery goals.
Supervised Progression: By working with a professional, you can ensure your exercises progress safely, helping you avoid overexertion and injury while still making improvements.
Holistic Care: Physical therapy focuses not just on the heart, but on overall body health, ensuring that you are not only improving your cardiovascular fitness, but also enhancing your strength, flexibility, and mobility.

Key Takeaways

Heart health goes beyond just exercise; it involves careful attention to the entire body and how it functions. If you have experienced a heart-related event or want to prioritize heart health, consider physical therapy to develop a tailored plan that helps you meet your goals safely and effectively. Your heart—and your whole body—will thank you for it.

Resources:

1. Jabbarzadeh Ganjeh B, Zeraattalab-Motlagh S, Jayedi A, et al. Effects of aerobic exercise on blood pressure in patients with hypertension: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized trials. Hypertens Res. 2024;47(2):385-398. doi:10.1038/s41440-023-01467-9
2. Nystoriak MA, Bhatnagar A. Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2018;5:135. Published 2018 Sep 28. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2018.00135