Heart Disease

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(ii) Experts say it is good to stretch for 5-10 minutes every day. Stretching helps relax and lengthen your muscles, encourages improved blood flow and helps keep you supple so you can move more easily.
(iii) Moderate aerobic exercises are best for heart patients. These include brisk walking, jogging, cycling, gardening, stair climbing and dancing. The duration of continuous aerobic exercise should, if possible, be at least 20 minutes, but patients must very gradually increase their activity, and “listen to their body” when increasing the duration of the exercise. Never stop exercising suddenly. Always cool down by stretching and relaxing your muscles smoothly and gradually.
(iv) Aim to exercise regularly about 3 days a week at least. Do not attempt to carry out exercise suddenly that you are unaccustomed to. By taking things slowly and regularly, exercise can be an enjoyable activity.
(v) Equipment such as exercise bikes and rowing machines in a gym are good ways of making you fit.
(vi) If you develop chest pain or other discomfort, stop and rest. If you feel breathless or unwell before you start exercising, rest for that day and consult your health professional.
(vii) Be careful of extremes in weather conditions – protect your body with more clothing when needed in winter. Exercise with care on very hot and very cold days. Always keep yourself well hydrated with water during and after exercise.
(viii) However, whatever activity you decide to take up, you need to maintain regular exercise routine in order to keep a constant level of fitness, and to protect yourself against heart disease.