heart valve regurgitation and exercise - British Heart Fou...

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heart valve regurgitation and exercise

Blindbeggar83 profile image
18 Replies

since I got diagnosed last month I’ve done cardio every day and lost around half a stone. Is it safe to continue? Don’t want to do more harm than good.

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Blindbeggar83 profile image
Blindbeggar83
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18 Replies
Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed

It is sensible to exercise and do daily activity with heart regurgitation, you just need to make the right choices of the types of exercise you do and how often. You may be doing more than you require but if it hasn't caused you symptoms it shouldn't have caused you more harm than good, you just might need to scale back a bit.If you have mild to moderate regurgitation you are encouraged to maintain a balanced amount of physical activity.

You are also encouraged to do moderate intensity exercise regularly involving some time in cardio output.

Things like swimming, aqua exercises, cycling , brisk walking, pilates , resistance training, small weights , tai chi , easy level rowing or hiking , kayaking , paddle boarding , and some types of light yoga are particularly good.

The things to be aware of are to choose moderate intensity exercises rather than high intensity cardio or heavy weight training.

You should have a rest day between exercise sessions , although leisurely walks or tai chi are allowed on rest days.

Make sure you listen to your body. If you are breathless or have other types of pain or discomfort doing certain types of activity, stop . Next time moderate the intensity and time you spend doing it , and change the type of activity if it still causes you regular symptoms to something less intense.

Keep hydrated , drink before during and after workouts.

Spend more time slowly warming up and cooling down by doing stretches

If you have moderate to severe heart regurgitation high intensity exercise activities and weight training are better avoided.

Control the time you are in cardio output, a smart watch can help you keep track of your heart rate as you exercise.

Low Intensity Steady State Exercises are better like moderate walking , leisure paced swimming , tai chi, gentle and low impact pilates , isometric and low rate resistance exercises.

The time spent exercising depends on your condition and your symptoms during the day or while you exercise.

Sometimes you may spend more time doing an activity more slowly.

You may do exercises in smaller , shorter sessions , only do half of a class workout or do the exercises at a class which are less intense or in a seated position.

The same rules about hydration, listening to your body and taking rest days. Don't exercise on days you have muscle soreness, if you feel run down or you have or have just had an infection.

You should get some advice from a Physiotherapist or your Cardiac Specialist about your exact type of regurgitation and which type of exercise is more suitable for you.

You can ask them to refer you for a Cardio Rehab Course or physiotherapist, or self refer to physio, telling them that you need supervision and instructions on the right exercises to do with your type of regurgitation condition.

If you have been exercising every day without a problem so far , you seem to be doing well but you did say you are exercising every day and it is cardio so you do need to check that you aren't overdoing it with the type of things you are doing , and put in those rest days.

You also need to consider your other daily activities and what is called consequential exercise.

This is things that you do in daily life which are physical and give you equivalent exercise to doing a workout. Things like walking and physical activities at work, housework, looking after children, washing a car , gardening, DIY, are all types of moderate exercise . So if you are having a physically busy day you should class this as your exercise for the day , or part of it, and either do something more restful, just do some gentle stretching , or have a slow leisure walk instead of a workout.

Have workout days on days when you are less busy in your normal activities.

And , of course, it's not just about exercise you also improve your health by making the recommended changes to your diet , pacing your lifestyle , and reducing stress (both physical and mental) by including relaxation activities in your day , taking your medication if you require it, and having a good sleep routine.

Well done , for losing some weight , if you needed to it's a good step forward.

Hope that helps , take care , Bee

BlueJRW profile image
BlueJRW in reply toBlearyeyed

Great reply, so much good advise

Blindbeggar83 profile image
Blindbeggar83 in reply toBlearyeyed

Thank you so much. 🙏

Mitchum profile image
Mitchum

I was diagnosed thirty odd years ago with mitral valve leakage and was monitored annually. In that time I continued to do fairly heavy manual work and weight train to a good strength level(bench press 200lb, squat 280lb etc.). Being vain I didn't want to stop🙂. The advice I received from the cardiologist was to carry on as normal until the time came to slow down and stop. This was when surgery was needed. I would say, carry on but just check with your "team". Well done with the weight loss and good luck!

Blindbeggar83 profile image
Blindbeggar83 in reply toMitchum

can I ask how long ago did you have surgery?

Mitchum profile image
Mitchum in reply toBlindbeggar83

Twenty two years ago! Major arterial bypass and mechanical mitral valve. I was almost 55 years old when I had it.

Blindbeggar83 profile image
Blindbeggar83 in reply toMitchum

you are doing well now?

Mitchum profile image
Mitchum in reply toBlindbeggar83

Yes, I think so. I am living life as much "to the full" as my age and numerous ailments allow me. I try and be positive and do as much as I can, being fortunate to have a fabulous wife of 54 years who supports my every endeavour.

Did you have an ECG and what stage is the leak at in your valve?

Blindbeggar83 profile image
Blindbeggar83 in reply toMitchum

I had an echo. It was described as mild-moderate, though I’ve got some symptoms that worry me. I’ve literally just this minute had a call from the cardiologist to have an appointment next week.

Mitchum profile image
Mitchum in reply toBlindbeggar83

I discovered mine in the early 90's when it was mild. It was around ten years to get to the severe stage and require surgery. I knew the time was near as I started to get very breathless walking uphill. Up until that point I had all but ignored it. Let me know how you get on next week. How old are you by the way if it's not too rude a question?

Blindbeggar83 profile image
Blindbeggar83 in reply toMitchum

I will do. I’m 41. Honestly to say I’m nervous in an understatement.

Blindbeggar83 profile image
Blindbeggar83 in reply toMitchum

Can I ask How did you prepare yourself for your surgery?

Mitchum profile image
Mitchum in reply toBlindbeggar83

P M'd you!

Jedi14 profile image
Jedi14

That is a possibilty. But what meds are you on, if any?

Blindbeggar83 profile image
Blindbeggar83 in reply toJedi14

Only thing I’m on is tamsulosin for enlarged prostate. Got to see cardiologist on Tuesday. I’m hoping it’s still early stages, they said it was more mild to moderate, just feeling tired most of the time and out of breath.

Jedi14 profile image
Jedi14 in reply toBlindbeggar83

Ok then, you said you lost half a stone, did the docs set a target for you or just doing it yourself?

Blindbeggar83 profile image
Blindbeggar83 in reply toJedi14

Done it myself. I was 12.4 in December now 11.8. I’ve had slight asthma for several years and never felt the need to use an Inhaler, but November I started coughing really badly. I’ve only started using my inhaler everyday for the last week, thankfully not coughing as much.

Jedi14 profile image
Jedi14 in reply toBlindbeggar83

You've done well! Do you have a target weight and hows your cholesterol! I think you should continue on the straight and narrow but tone down a bit.

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