Remember, your doctor is the single best source of information regarding your cardiovascular
health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health or
your medicines, or before starting any exercise program.
Regular exercise is a very important part of maintaining good cardiovascular health
for those who have had a heart attack, stroke, or been diagnosed with P.A.D. However,
if exercise is not already part of your normal activities, be sure to discuss an
appropriate fitness plan with your doctor before beginning or changing an exercise
regimen. If you have been diagnosed with P.A.D., go to the page
Exercise Programs and P.A.D.
At first, it may seem like a real challenge to get started on a healthy exercise
plan, but if you consider the potential benefits to your cardiovascular health,
the rewards are well worth your efforts. Physical activity helps:
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve your overall fitness
- Strengthen your heart
Once you get started with regular exercise and begin to improve your cardiovascular
health, you may get a big mental boost as well. Studies have shown that regular
physical activity can:
- Reduce stress
- Promote a sense of well-being
- Boost self-esteem
- Reduce feelings of depression and anxiety
Start simple
You don’t have to participate in strenuous or lengthy exercise routines to get cardiovascular
health benefits from physical activity. Here are just a few examples of how you
may be able to work physical activity into your daily routine:
- Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Park farther away from the store or office.
- Get off the bus one or two stops early and walk the rest of the way.
- Do yard or garden work.
- Take a walk after lunch or dinner.
As part of cardiovascular health, everyone needs a plan for regular physical activity.
These simple tips may help get you started. Also, doing any physical activity for
a few minutes a day is better than no exercise at all!
It is important that you do not start an exercise plan that is too vigorous or not
the appropriate level for you. Doing too much too fast can cause injury and discourage
you from continuing. Exercise with a friend or family member with whom you feel
comfortable so you can help each other find the right level. And talk to your doctor
about cardiovascular health before starting or changing an exercise plan.
Here are some cardiovascular health tips that may help:
- Walking is an activity that will help give you more energy, help you relax, and
help control your appetite, while improving your cardiovascular health.
- Think of walking as an exercise routine: walk slowly to warm up, then increase your
speed gradually, and then cool down by walking slowly again.
- Make physical activity part of your regular routine. Start easy, increase gradually,
and feel good about getting more active. Talk to your doctor about cardiovascular
health before starting or changing your exercise plan.
- Being physically active after a first heart attack may lower
the risk of death or a second heart attack. Talk to your doctor about building an
exercise plan that’s best for you.
What to do next: Maintain a healthy
weight
