Living With Heart Failure
  || EXERCISE || MEDICATIONS || EMOTIONS || REFERENCES ||
  It is never too late to start exercising. Research shows that people with chronic heart failure, who are able to walk and are stable on medicine, CAN benefit significantly from exercise. Exercise will increase muscle mass and improve circulation and blood flow to the legs. Even in cases of severe congestive heart failure, people have been able to exercise up to 50% longer.

Why Should I Exercise?

  • Improved post-operative potential
  • Less time to recover
  • Improved quality of life with early return to prior level of function
  • Improved breath control
  • Increased muscle strength
  • Improved posture and flexibility

 

The best position to exercise has been found to be upright either sitting or standing. If you cannot sit or stand, however, most exercises can be done in bed. The exercise program can include:

  • Treadmill, walking, bicycling
  • Light weights
  • "Cool-down" stretches
  • Relaxation and breathing exercises
  • Diaphragmatic breathing/pursed-lip breathing
    • To strengthen diaphragm
    • To improve breath control
              Relaxation

Stop Exercising When                           

  • Chest pain
  • Jaw pain
  • Arm pain
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Abnormal sweating
  • Changes in breathing pattern
  • Light headedness/dizziness
  • Fatigue/tiredness in a certain body part

CHF Handbook: Exercise and Your Heart
 

 

Website created & maintained by: K. Clark RN (Corky8@optonline.net) Last update 06/28/2006 All information contained in this website is based on medical research and is provided for general education.  Always consult your doctor before you engage in any type of health remedy or procedure.  This site is not a substitute for regular medical care.