Even if you have valvular heart disease, exercising within your limits is recommended for overall health. It has a positive effect on many of the risk factors of heart problems, including diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Exercise won’t make a bad heart valve any better, but it greatly improves your ability to function every day. After all, you need to be in shape to carry groceries, work around the house or yard, and to climb stairs.
So any moderate exercise program will enhance the quality of your life and help you live with valvular heart disease.
Naturally, you’ll want to check with your doctor to better gauge your limits. Then you’ll want to choose activities that fit in your daily life so you’ll stick with them.
Choose low-impact exercises that are easy on your joints. Walking, swimming, and cycling all involve large muscle groups and can be done continuously enough to be beneficial.
Start with just 10 or 15 minutes at a time and work up to 30 minutes or more several times a week. Take breaks if you need to — it’s not a race.
If you do have valvular heart disease, strength training is not recommended. And if you experience any chest pain while exercising, stop immediately and contact your doctor.
Mild exercise is also a great stress-reducer, which is vital for both your physical and emotional health. If you exercise with a friend, the social aspect will also benefit your heart.
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