It might be called mitral valve prolapse, aortic stenosis or other names--all are considered heart valve disease. It is something you must always monitor. Whether the disease is mild, moderate, or severe will affect your ability to exercise.
Heart Valve Disease Explained
If you have heart valve disease, at least one of your valves does not function normally. There are four that control blood flow. These may lack an opening, not open fully, or allow backwards blood flow. Check with your doctor about exercise recommendations. Those with mild heart valve disease may not have limitations.
Causes and Symptoms
You might have been born with a valve issue or it might have been caused by infections and specific conditions. Symptoms include a heart murmur, pain with exertion, fatigue, dizziness, inflammation, or breathing difficulties according to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Exercise can increase the severity and frequency of symptoms.
Lifestyle Modifications
To manage heart valve disease, eat healthy and limit your intake of salt. Stop smoking and avoid activities that worsen your symptoms. This may require modifying or limiting exercise. Those with severe heart valve disease need to avoid strenuous activities altogether.
Safe Exercises
Mild exercises that do not severely increase your heart or breathing rate are recommended. For example, you can take leisurely walks. You could participate in gentle yoga. Also, tai chi and stretching are safe.
Unsafe Exercises
Highly aerobic exercises like cycling, running, or kickboxing should be avoided. Competitive sports are not recommended. Additionally, weightlifting is out. Lifting light weights is better. Any exercise that accelerates breathing or fatigues you, is not recommended.
0 comments:
Post a Comment