When you have a broken bone, it's pretty easy to know the kinds of things you can and can't do. But when you have a health condition you can’t see, it may be harder to know what activities are safe to do.
This is especially true when it comes to heart arrhythmias.
Understanding Your Heart Arrhythmia
Everybody's body is different — and everyone's arrhythmia is different, too. There are many health factors that may impact which exercises are best for you. To help you figure out what kind of fitness routine is safe and effective, your cardiologist may want to conduct the following:
-
Stress Test: During a stress test, your cardiologist may have you ride a standing bike or run on a treadmill while monitoring your heart rhythm, breathing and blood pressure.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): This kind of test allows your cardiologist to monitor your heart's electrical activity like your heart rate and even the size of your heart's different chambers.
"Having your heart tested can feel scary, but these tests are routine and can really help you understand your heart arrhythmia," says Michael Riordan, MD, a Cardiac Electrophysiologist at Chester County Hospital. "After a 10-minute EKG or a 60-minute stress test, your cardiologist will have a better understanding of your heart, its rhythm, and how it may impact your exercise routine."
Exercising with a Heart Arrhythmia
People may think an abnormal heart rhythm means that they cannot exercise. They may think that because physical activity makes your heart rate go up, this might be bad if you already have an arrhythmia. It makes sense that people might believe that, but it's not entirely true.
In fact, even if you have a heart arrhythmia, you still can — and should — get regular exercise.
What You Can Do
When it comes to physical activity, only 20% of teenagers and adults are getting enough of it each week. Getting enough movement in your day can feel especially tricky if you are also balancing a heart arrhythmia.
One great kind of exercise to work into your routine is yoga. Many people with an arrhythmia find yoga to be a safe and effective form of exercise — and some even note that it helps their arrhythmia by preventing future arrhythmias.
What to Avoid
Your provider may make different recommendations based on your specific heart condition, but in general, it's a good idea to avoid weightlifting, which can put stress on your heart.
In addition to thinking about your heart itself, it's also important to keep your pacemaker in mind, if you have one. Pacemakers can help regulate your heart rate and help treat arrhythmias.
If you have had a pacemaker put in in the last two months, follow recovery instructions from your cardiologist about minimizing exercises where your arm moves away from your body (like swimming or golfing).
In the long term, your pacemaker should not impact your ability to stay physically active. Even simple exercises like going for a walk around your neighborhood can help increase blood circulation and support your heart health.
SPECIAL NOTE!
If you have a heart condition like an arrhythmia, talk to your Chester County Hospital provider before starting a new exercise routine.
|
Questions to Ask Your Provider
If you're thinking about starting an exercise routine, it's always a good idea to speak with your Chester County Hospital primary care provider or cardiac specialist. They can talk through any concerns or questions you may have.
"Oftentimes, when people come to their annual wellness visit or cardiology appointment, it can be hard to know exactly what to ask their provider," says Dr. Riordan. "If you find yourself drawing a blank when your provider asks you if you have any questions, try spending some time thinking — or even writing them down — before your appointment. This can help you feel more prepared, comfortable, and confident."
Some questions you might consider asking your provider about exercise and arrhythmias include:
-
How many times should I exercise each week?
- What's a good amount of total physical activity I should set as a goal?
- Are there any exercises that would be helpful for me to do — or that I should avoid?
- How might exercises affect any medications I'm taking (like beta blockers or other heart medications)?
- How do I know the difference between a normal arrhythmia and something more serious?
In addition to writing down a list of questions you want to ask your provider, also take some time to think through your own health goals. This can help your provider come up with a routine that works for you.
Your Heart Healthier Life Starts Today
When it comes to your heart health, there's no bad time to start paying a little more attention. Physical activity is a key part of everyone's heart journey, and getting moving — even if you have a heart condition — is not as difficult as you think.
Whether you have a heart arrhythmia, heart disease, or just want to live a heart healthier lifestyle, take a small step to prioritize your heart health. Your heart will be sure to thank you.
Call 800-789-PENN (7366) to connect with the Penn Heart and Vascular Center at Chester County Hospital or Find a Doctor Near You.