Coronary heart disease (CHD) occurs when there is a narrowing or blockage in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply the heart. This is often due to a build-up of fatty deposits in the artery which can result in angina (chest pain) and myocardial infarction (heart attack). CHD is the leading cause of death in many developed countries, accounting for 10% of all deaths and 41% of deaths from cardiovascular disease in Australia in 2021. Risk factors for CAD include smoking, insufficient physical activity, poor diet, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and overweight/obesity.
What are the Benefits of Exercise for Coronary Heart Disease?
Regular exercise has been shown to have many benefits in helping prevent CAD, reducing the symptoms of CAD and reducing the risk of further complications. Exercise has been shown to help prevent blood vessels from narrowing further, prevent blood clotting, help deliver blood to the heart and help maintain a normal heart rhythm. These adaptations help to reduce the load on the heart at rest and when exercising which helps alleviate the symptoms and decrease the risk of death from CAD. Regular exercise helps to decrease cardiac risk factors by reducing cholesterol, blood pressure, body fat percentage and improving insulin sensitivity. Additional benefits include improved physical function, psychological well-being, and increased ability to perform leisure, occupational and daily activities.
Recommended Exercise for Coronary Heart Disease
A combination of aerobic and resistance training (strengthening exercises) is recommended for people with stable CHD however it is important they are assessed properly and cleared to exercise by their doctor before starting a program.
It is recommended individuals engage in 30-60 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (e.g., walking, swimming, and cycling) on 3-5 days spread through the week. This can be accumulated over shorter sessions of bouts of 5-10 minutes and progress as symptoms/fatigue allow. The exercise should be at an intensity where you feel you are breathing more heavily than normal but are still able to hold a conversation with someone.
Strength training should be performed 2-3 days per week with 8-10 exercises targeting all major muscle groups starting at 1 set of each exercise and progressing up to three. Strengthening exercises should start with low weights and higher repetitions. The intensity should not exceed the weight that can be lifted for 10-15 repetitions with correct technique and regular breathing (avoid Valsalva).
Special considerations for heart disease and exercise
Exercise prescription must consider individuals' exercise capacity and risk profile, with supervision recommended for moderate to high-risk patients.
People who are clinically unstable should not exercise until their clinical condition has been stabilised.
Ensure suitable/prolonged warm-up and cool-down.
If taking angina medication, it must be carried with when exercising.
Side effects of medications need to be considered when exercising.
After a cardiac event, individuals should complete at least two weeks of aerobic training before starting strengthening exercises.
After coronary artery bypass graft surgery, individuals should follow sternal precautions and avoid exercises that cause tension or pressure on the sternum for two months.
Isometric (static) exercises using large muscle groups such as the plank should be avoided as they can increase pressure on the heart.
Warm up for 5-10 minutes before exercising and cool down.
How can Prescribe Exercise Physiology help?
The AEPs of Prescribe Exercise Physiology Wollongong excel in exercise interventions for chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. Our team will provide a safe and effective tailored exercise plan based on your assessment so you can get better, move better, and regain control of your health again.
Want to book in for Exercise Physiology Wollongong for heart disease, head on over to our online bookings CLICK HERE
Tel. (02) 4259 0384 126 Church St, Wollongong, NSW, 2500
14 Churchill Ave, Warrawong, Entry Via Mowbray Lane
Post Created By Emma - Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
Prescribe Exercise are your local exercise physiology specialists. We provide exercise rehabilitation to assist manage and prevent injury and chronic disease in the Wollongong and Illawarra area. Our programs will assist to achieve personal excellence, we do this by taking the time to educate and empower you with the highest quality care and exercise best practice available. We genuinely care for our clients and want to make a difference in your life, we will help you to get better and stay better so that you can regain control of your health once again.