Recent studies have shown that exercising at high altitudes can put pressure on the heart. In this article, we will explore the negative effects of exercising at high altitudes on the heart and also discuss heart-friendly exercises.
While it’s true that the air in the mountains is cleaner, the lack of oxygen at high altitudes increases the strain on the heart. The altitude causes a reduction in the oxygen available in the air, which ultimately leads to a reduction in blood flow throughout the body and raises blood pressure in the lungs. Recent studies have examined how this condition affects the heart’s efficiency and concluded that exercising at high altitudes is not suitable for the heart. Increased altitude causes the heart to pump less blood with each beat. Nutrition also plays a role in heart health. Eating fish can be beneficial for heart health. Blood type also matters. Previous studies have shown that individuals who do not have type O blood (those with type B, A, or AB) are 9% more likely to develop heart disease.
Due to the widespread cardiovascular system in the body, there is a broad range of diseases associated with this vital system. Heart attacks, rheumatic heart disease, coronary arteries, and disorders in the blood flow to organs are just a few of the common cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it’s natural that heart patients require various types of exercises, which can address the broad spectrum of these diseases and offer exercises tailored for each. Although lifestyle changes, quitting smoking, and choosing a healthy diet are among the most important strategies for combating heart disease, undoubtedly, one of the most fundamental actions to prevent heart attacks is through exercise and physical training.
It’s essential to keep in mind that prevention and early detection can significantly reduce risk factors, protecting heart patients from the severe complications of such diseases. However, even when heart disease occurs, exercise can significantly strengthen the heart for these patients. It’s claimed that if you choose the best exercise for heart patients, the risk of death due to chronic heart diseases is significantly reduced. For example, swimming is very beneficial for heart patients, as it is effective in reducing blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Many other exercises are also helpful, which will be discussed in the following sections. Here, let’s review the effects of exercise on heart diseases.
Strengthening heart muscles
Reducing chest pain
Improving angina symptoms
Increasing blood supply through blood vessels
Improving and controlling the autonomic function of the heart
Enhancing oxygen delivery to body tissues
Alleviating symptoms of heart failure
Lowering bad cholesterol levels
Reducing symptoms such as shortness of breath, cold sweats, and sleep disturbances
While the general public believes that exercise can worsen heart diseases, scientific research has shown otherwise. Exercise is very beneficial for heart artery blockages, as it helps open blood vessels and improves heart and vascular performance. However, certain precautions are crucial for exercise to yield all of its beneficial effects on the body.
First Tip: Choose an exercise suitable for the type of heart disease.
Second Tip: Keep up with exercise and don’t stop unless absolutely necessary.
Third Tip: Avoid any excitement, anxiety, or stress during exercise.
Fourth Tip: Stop or reduce physical activity if you feel weak or uncomfortable.
Fifth Tip: Avoid exercising immediately after eating.
Sixth Tip: Refrain from exercising in extreme heat or cold.
Seventh Tip: Perform moderate-intensity aerobic and endurance exercises.
Eighth Tip: Resume physical activity after a heart attack, following a period of rehabilitation.
It should be acknowledged that not all exercises are beneficial for heart patients. The best exercise for heart patients is one that improves their quality of life and boosts their self-confidence. Based on this principle, heart-specific exercises not only strengthen the heart muscles but also contribute to maintaining a balance in the nervous system of these individuals. We will now categorize exercises for heart patients into three groups: suitable, conditional, and harmful.
Swimming: Swimming is the best and most effective exercise for heart patients, as it helps condition the body without putting undue pressure on the heart muscles.
Bodybuilding: Bodybuilding can also be beneficial for heart patients as long as it doesn’t cause muscle strain. By strengthening other muscles in the body, positive effects are transferred to the heart and vascular system.
Other Suitable Exercises for Heart Patients:
Table Tennis
Outdoor Walking
Slow Jogging
Gymnastics
Cycling
Horseback Riding
Pull-ups
Yoga
Balance Exercises
Stretching
Tai Chi
Aerobics
Prevention of heart attacks through exercise has now become a serious medical approach. Doctors encourage patients to engage in physical activity alongside a healthy diet and medication. Studies have shown that swimming is the best exercise for heart patients, as it enhances the body’s performance without causing sudden changes in the heart rhythm. Along with swimming, bodybuilding also proves beneficial for heart patients. This exercise, combined with aerobic, endurance, and balance exercises (without intense movements), gradually raises the heart rate and increases the heart’s endurance.
The healing impact of exercise has made it a remedy for many diseases. Exercise and heart diseases are currently a hot topic in the medical field as it helps improve the mental condition, increases psychological capacity, and strengthens the heart for heart patients. I hope you have enjoyed this content on therapeutic exercise, and if you know anyone interested in treatment through exercise, feel free to share it with them.
