FEAR ABOUT EXERCISES IN HEART PATIENTS

When the heart patients come to know about the chest pain or breathlessness their blockage is already 70% plus. When they report to a heart hospital for further advice – they are somehow subjected to angiography. This test gives a rough idea of blockages in heart arteries which are mostly more than 70% as expected. But the patient is put under severe pressure to undertake bypass or angioplasty. To push them hard, many are immediately scared and told not to do any physical activity – not to climb stairs, drive a car or visit his work place. Some of them are even asked to confine themselves to bed only. The family members are more scared and do not allow them to even talk, read and even write. This leads to a severe pressure to undergo surgery or angioplasty. Without these activities the patients almost become invalid.

Once the patient takes care of all the risk factors which lead to heart disease and put on medications most of the daily life activities can be and should be allowed. All these small or non strenuous activities do not push their heart rate and thus cause no harm. Patients must be educated enough to understand the effects of these activities on the heart.

Only time the patient needs a “bed rest” is unstable angina or first one week after heart attack or myocardial infarction.

Cardiologists must spend time to educate heart patients individually and explain them about the physical activities which are beneficial for the heart.

 

AEROBIC VS ANAEOBIC EXERCISES                                                                                          

Almost everybody is aware of a form of exercise called aerobics. What is aerobic exercise? Or for that matter what is anaerobic exercise? Exercise in any form requires movements of muscle/muscle groups. Microscopically muscles are made of small muscle fibrils which in turn have some filaments in them known as Actin and Myocin. Movement of Actin & Myocin over each other brings about the contraction and relaxation of muscle fibrils.

This contraction of muscle requires energy which is produced from the burning of glucose in the presence of oxygen which we breathe. When the level of exercise keeps on increasing a time comes, when the oxygen demand of the muscle is more than that which can be supplied. During such times the body supplies energy for contraction from glycogen which is stored form of energy. This glycogen store can be again replenished once you stop exercising. Thus as long as oxygen is available for muscular contraction it is known as aerobic and beyond that are anaerobic (without air) exercises. Heart patients should not do any strenuous form of exercise. They should stick to gradually increasing level of exercise program which are aerobic exercises. Regular muscular movements with increasing intensity below the angina threshold, which increases the flexibility and helps in spending calories is recommended for heart patients. They should not venture into heavy, strenuous exercises which are anaerobic exercises.

Regular aerobic exercise provides a greater volume of oxygen and makes the body more efficient. Anaerobic exercise such as squash (a stop start activity requiring short, sudden bursts of energy), places heavy demands on the body for oxygen – and puts the body into oxygen debt. When this happens, lactic acid is formed as a waste product, causing muscle fatigue, soreness and sometimes pain. Rapid heartbeat and breathlessness are also typical effects of anaerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise is one of the keys to improving and maintaining fitness and well being. The area where aerobics scores is in long-term health benefits. Short-term fitness goals are not enough.

SOME PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WHICH CAN BE DONE IN DAILY LIFE

At Home:

·         Do housework yourself instead of hiring someone else to do it.

·         Work in the garden or mow the grass. Using a riding mower doesn’t count! Rake leaves, prune, dig and pick up trash.

·         Go out for a short walk before breakfast. Start with 5-10 minutes and work up to 30 minutes.

·         Walk or cycle to the corner store instead of driving.

·         When walking, pick up the pace from leisurely to brisk.

·         When watching TV, sit up instead of lying on the sofa. Better yet, spend a few minutes pedaling on your stationary bicycle while watching TV. Throw away your video remote control. Instead of asking someone to bring you a drink, get up off the couch and get it yourself.

·         Stand up while talking on the telephone.

·         Walk the dog. Park farther away at the shopping mall and walk the extra distance. Wear your walking shoes and sneak in an extra lap or two around the mall.

·         Stretch to reach items in high places and squat or bend to look at items at floor level.

·         Keep exercise equipment repaired and use it!

 

At office: Most of us have sedentary jobs. Work takes up a significant part of the day. What can you do to increase your physical activity during the work day?

·         Brainstorm project ideas with a co-worker while taking a walk.

·         Stand while talking on the phone.

·         Walk down the hall to speak with someone rather than using the telephone.

·         Take the stairs instead of elevator. Or get off a few floors early and take the stairs the rest of the way.

·         Walk while waiting for the plane at the airport.

·         Stay at hotels with fitness centers or swimming pools and use them while on business trips.

·         Schedule exercise time on your business calendar and treat it as any other important appointment.

·         Get off the bus a few blocks early and walk the rest of the way to work or home.

·         Walk around your building for a break during the work day or during lunch.

Hope you liked this blog!

This article is written by Dr. Bimal Chhajer (Delhi’s best heart treatment doctor)