Exercise

Exercise does not hurt people who have heart failure and does not make your heart failure worse. Exercise offers both physical and emotional benefits and is an important part of your overall medical plan of care. Before starting an exercise program, check with your doctor for specific instructions. Some testing may be necessary before you start a program. Cardiac Rehabilitation may also be an option depending on your insurance coverage and availability of programs in your area.

The goals of an exercise program are to increase your tolerance for all of the activity you need or want to do, decrease your heart rate and abnormal heart rhythm, and improve your sense of well being.

Questions you will want to consider:

• What do I need to know about exercise and heart failure? 
• Why do I need a regular exercise program? 
• How can I get started on an exercise program? 
• Where do I go from here?

Suggestions for activity and exercise:

• Start by being as active as you can 
• Talk to your doctor before you start exercising to tell you: 
  • how much to exercise 
  • warming up before exercise 
  • how hard to exercise 
  • good exercises for you 
• Walking for 5 minutes at a time, 2-3 times each day, is a great way to start an exercise program 
• As you feel better, exercise longer. Slowly work up to 20-30 minutes each day 
• Pace yourself and stop when you get tired 
• You may have sexual relations, however, you may have problems until you have more energy