Activity and exercise

Physical activity and exercise are important.  Exercise can help you feel better in general, may improve the functioning of your heart and improve your symptoms. Mild physical activity is beneficial for most people with heart failure.

How?

Before starting an exercise programme or prior to changing the type of exercise you do, talk to your doctor or nurse to make sure you are not putting too much strain on your heart too quickly. You can contact a local cardiac rehabilitation centre and ask if they offer programmes suiting your condition. They might advise to do a stress test first in order to define the best level of endurance training. The rehabilitation team will also be able to advise, which activities should be avoided.

The key to success is regular physical activity. Plan to exercise 1-2 hours after a light meal. To implement physical activity or exercise training into your daily life, choose an activity that you enjoy. Exercising with a friend also helps, as you will be able to encourage each other. Always warm up and cool down with a defined period of stretching before you begin exercising – a qualified instructor will be able to show you how to do this safely.

Walking is a good activity to start with. If you already walk and consider yourself physically active, try other activities that you enjoy for example cycling or going to the gym. Start slowly and gradually increase the distance or intensity of the activity as your strength and fitness improve.

A good rule of thumb is that you should still be able to talk while you are exercising. Otherwise, you are probably overdoing it. Slow down if you experience enhanced shortness of breath.

Stop exercising if you experience dizziness, chest pain, nausea or a cold sweat. If the symptoms persist, contact your doctor or nurse.

Many people with heart failure worry that they will no longer be able to play with their children or grandchildren by picking them up. Listen to the signals your body sends you. Be careful with activities that require holding your breath, bearing down or sudden bursts of energy since they might bring on unpleasant symptoms.