Heart problems..and keeping fit?!


Question: Can some one please tell me what form of exercise is permissable for someone with an enlarged heart. I cannot seem to get an answer from my practice nurse.

Is it okay to do 40 minutes a day on my treadmill it would set at quite a low speed 2.5 mph. Also I'm 60' ish

I know that if I do not keep fit my weight will start to balloon even though I eat sensibly...it's just the way my body is.
47 minutes ago - 3 days left to answer.

Answers: Can some one please tell me what form of exercise is permissable for someone with an enlarged heart. I cannot seem to get an answer from my practice nurse.

Is it okay to do 40 minutes a day on my treadmill it would set at quite a low speed 2.5 mph. Also I'm 60' ish

I know that if I do not keep fit my weight will start to balloon even though I eat sensibly...it's just the way my body is.
47 minutes ago - 3 days left to answer.
It would depend to some degree on the cause for the enlargement. If you have blocked coronary arteries or heart valves you need to be very careful about exercise. If the enlargement is due only to weakening or thickening of the pumping part of your heart reasonable amounts of aerobic exercise such as walking or biking may be beneficial. In any case it is hard to see how tread-milling at a speed akin to normal walking at 2.5 mph would be detrimental if done carefully and in moderation. Start low and build up gradually to you level of fatigue. You don't need to prepare for the Olympics to gain conditioning and aerobic benefit for your heart. Stop for any cardiac symptoms such as irregular heart beat, heart pain or angina or excessive sob. Gradual and moderation are the key words. The best way to proceed in an ideal world would be to ask you doctor to perform an exercise stress test. This would objectively determine how your heart performs under exertional stress in a safe and controlled environment and enable your doctor to tell you
precisely what you should and should not do.
And Christine I think mine is also caused by hypertension....runs in the family I'm afraid. Never fitter person than I you could have found. Report It

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    • im no medical expert, but i would have thought you shoudl be aiming at something gentle. maybe swimming? thats good for you all over and if you take it steady it doesnt have to be too strenuous as the water is taking your weight.
    40 mints on trademall at low speed is perfect. there are many medical-sport centers just contact them call them
    a nice twenty min swim or standing bike just take it easy is the most important thing try useing a heart moniter and ask your gp the best level to work at all the best
    This is definetly something you should talk to a doctor about. Depending on the cause of the enlargement, exercise should be kept to a minimal. I have an enlarged heart due to hypertension, but cardiologist put me on 30 minutes-3 times a week. Once any major problems were ruled out, he told me to step it up. Check with your doctor before beginning any strenuous workouts.


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