Cardiovascular Disease - The role of exercise in the prevention and recovery of a cardiovascular event

Cardiovascular Disease is an umbrella term relating to progressive and long term medical conditions that are associated with significant changes and reduction in the function of the heart.

Exercise has been found to be an effective form of protection for the heart’s ability to function efficiently without impairment, and for the maintenance and recovery of the heart following cardiovascular events such as the conditions mentioned above.

How can exercise help prevent the risk of developing these conditions?

• There is strong evidence surrounding the impact that exercise has on heart function, including improving its efficiency to pump blood around the body, pushing more blood out with each beat, and allowing it to beat slower under a certain level of effort. A healthier heart is less likely to experience deterioration that can contribute to the risk of cardiovascular conditions. While we cannot eliminate risks, we can certainly minimise them through exercise interventions.

Is exercise safe for someone who has Cardiovascular Disease?

• Appropriately and safely prescribed exercise, provided by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, is safe for those populations who haven’t been contraindicated to certain activities or intensities of exercise by their medical team including Cardiologists and General Practitioners. Through exercise testing, Exercise Physiologists are able to determine how much or what types of exercise may be most suitable to commence, for those with Cardiovascular Disease.

What is the best type of exercise for someone with Cardiovascular Disease?

• There are two main types of exercise that can be beneficial for those dealing from Cardiovascular Disease. They are aerobic exercise, where there is an elevation of heart rate and breathing rate such as walking, swimming and cycling; and resistance exercise, which challenges our muscles against an external load such as our own bodyweight, dumbbells or even machines in a gym.
• Aerobic exercise is seen as one of the most effective forms of physical activity, for assisting in the management of someone’s Cardiovascular Disease. It is easy to implement, able to be modified depending on the person’s fitness level, and is low impact on the body.
• Resistance exercise is a complimentary form of physical activity that can improve our muscle function, to make our daily activities easier to complete, such as climbing a flight of stairs with less breathlessness, or getting out of a low chair without leg soreness and fatigue.

How can I get started, and what should I be mindful of when starting exercise?

• It is important that you start at a level that is appropriate for you. We find that working to a submaximal capacity (<75% of your maximum effort) is crucial as a starting point so that you don’t increase your risk of adverse events.
• If you are at risk of Cardiovascular Disease, or have been diagnosed with one, get in touch with one of our Accredited Exercise Physiologists who can assess and design a suitable exercise program that is in line with your goals and level of capacity. It’s never too late to get started!

References:

• Buijis, DM, MacDonald, K, Lightfoot, R, Senaratne, M, Haennel, RG 2015, ‘Quantity and Quality of Daily Physical Activity in Older Cardiac Patients’, Canadian Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 10-16.
• Durstine, JL, Moore, GE, Painter, PL, Roberts, SO 2009, ACSM’s Exercise Management for Persons With Chronic Diseases and Disabilities, Human Kinetics, Lower Mitcham, SA.
• Schroeder, EC, Franke, WD, Sharp, RL, Lee, DC 2019, ‘Comparative effectiveness of aerobic, resistance, and combined training on cardiovascular disease risk factors: A randomised controlled trial’, PLoS ONE, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 1-14.

Authored by Mr. Craig Harrison - Accredited Exercise Physiologist

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