Finding the right exercise program

If you have heart problems, you may have mixed feelings about being active. You might like to do more, but aren't sure how much you're capable of doing. Ask your doctor about an exercise program that's best for your situation and then follow his/her recommendations.

Exercise tips

If you are in an approved exercise program, here is some general information about exercising:

Exercise after a rest period.
Don’t exercise right after eating — wait one or two hours after a meal. Your digestive system requires extra blood after eating. This decreases the amount of blood flow to other parts of your body, like your heart. This may decrease your heart's ability to tolerate physical activity.
If you get tired, stop and sit down until you feel you can continue. Climb stairs slowly and avoid carrying heavy items.
Don’t exercise if you're ill or have a fever.
Dress in layers. As your body temperature heats up during exercise, shed extra layers. Don't wear rubberized suits that increase sweating.
Exercise indoors during hot and humid weather or windy and cold weather. Avoid exercising outside when the temperature and humidity each are greater than 80 degrees (combined to total more than 160 degrees) or the temperature and wind chill are less than 20 degrees.
Wear comfortable, supportive athletic shoes.
Exercise on level surfaces in safe areas (avoid icy or bumpy walking paths, for example).
If you exercise in the early morning, ask your doctor if you should take your medicines at least 30 minutes before you start to work out.
Keep breathing normally during activities and exercises.
Avoid activities that require you to hold your arms high for more than short periods.

What kind of exercise should you do?

Both aerobic exercise (walking, bicycling) and strength training (lifting weights and using resistance machines) should be part of your personal fitness program. One can’t replace the other — you need both. Strength training will lift and tone your muscles, and aerobic conditioning will decrease fat and strengthen your heart muscle. Beofre you begin either an aerobic or strength training workout, be sure to stretch and warm up.

How should you structure your workout?

Here is an example of a complete workout. Check with your health care team for your specific plan.

Begin with four to five minutes of low level aerobic activity (walking, for example), as a warm-up.
Do stretching.
Do aerobic conditioning.
Do cool-down.
Do strength training.
Do more stretching.