Personal Trainer

In 2002, President George W. Bush proclaimed February American Heart Month.  With cardiovascular disease being a leading cause of death in the United States today, our congress recognized the importance of honoring those health professionals who focus on the prevention and treatment of heart disease.

During this month, health care workers use their resources to help the public recognize that by not smoking, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet, an individual can significantly lower their chances of getting heart disease.

If you are currently living with heart disease, your doctor has already talked to you about the importance of staying active.  Exercise plays a critical role in not only the prevention of many types of heart disease, but in the rehabilitation as well.  Many individuals who have experienced heart disease or heart failure often times feel nervous at the thought of exercising the very muscle that caused them problems in the first place.

Once you have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, you need to work closely with your physician and other health care professionals to begin a fitness program.  They will monitor your program and work with you to insure your fitness regime is modified for your specific medical history and current physical condition.

There are several exercise guidelines you need to follow for your safety.  If you have recently had a heart attack or heart surgery, you not only have to get medical clearance and guidelines from your doctor, but need to do so before beginning or continuing an exercise program.   If you employ a personal trainer, be sure to supply them with those guidelines.  The trainer also needs to get medical approval, from your physician, before starting or continuing a program with you.

When exercising with heart disease, make sure you make moderate aerobic activity a part of your every day life.  Activities such as walking, swimming, and biking fall into that category.  It is extremely important to monitor your heart rate.  The safe heart rate zone should be given to you by your physician, once they have administered a treadmill test for you.  In general, your goal should be to exercise three to four days a week.  As with all exercise programs, warm-up gradually for ten minutes.  Equally as important is the cool-down which should take another ten minutes.  Your total exercise time, not including warm –up and cool-down should take 30 minutes.  This time should increase gradually to 60 minutes. Depending on your condition, this could take from one to six months from when you begin.

Pay attention to your body when working out with heart disease, and let your doctor know immediately if you feel extremely tired, have difficulty breathing, or suffer from any other abnormal symptoms.  Stop working out immediately and contact your doctor.  Contact 911 if you feel chest pain or angina during your workout.  For more information on heart disease, contact the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org.

Moderate physical activity can make your heart stronger.  Most individuals find that exercise improves their symptoms, reduces stress, and raises energy levels.  Even without heart disease exercise helps in better circulation and blood pressure, weight loss, and lower cholesterol levels.

Of course, be sure to check with your physician before beginning an exercise program, especially if you are over 40, have cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, have had heart failure, or are being treated for heart disease.