Weight Loss Resources
Hundreds of articles about weight loss ...
Can you advise me on exercising with Angina?
Please can you advise on exercising with Angina? I know it really is common sense but would like an idea of what you should or shouldn't be doing.
Our expert says...
Hi there,
It is a good question to ask actually because the importance of the right exercise methods and intensities are often underestimated with many health complications and we shouldn't leave things to chance. Angina (pain/tightness in the centre of the chest) can often be brought on by physical exercise, stress, extreme cold or heavy meals.
There isn't a single answer for people with angina because the following variables have to be considered:
The severity of the disease
The masking of symptoms be medication
Abnormal blood pressure responses during exercise
Ideally, I would recommend that anyone with angina have a proper assessment by a fitness professional to ensure that the exercise that the person undertakes is specific to their capability and limitations. However, general guidelines would be:
A prolonged warm up (at least 10 minutes)
An aerobic phase which should NOT be at a greater intensity than the warm up!
Range-of-motion activities
Stretching activities
People with angina may benefit from intermittent exercise alternating work and rest. This approach may be followed until the person has sufficient strength and endurance to sustain continuous exercise. All of the major muscle groups of the body, including the upper extremities, should be worked using dynamic repetitive motions. Breathing should be emphasized to minimize the tendency toward breath-holding. If angina occurs with exercise, the exercise period should be discontinued, or at least significantly decreased in intensity, until the symptoms are resolved.
The exercise cool-down period should be gradual and prolonged (at least 10 minutes) to prevent complications from blood pooling in the lower extremities. If angina is experienced with increased intensity during exercise, and is not relieved by either termination of exercise, then the person should be transported to the nearest emergency room.
I hope this gives you an idea of the issues to consider. I can't stress enough really the benefit in such cases as with health complications that a person takes the initiative to speak to a fitness specialist.
Kelly
Disclaimer
You are advised to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle with an aim of weight loss. This website and the content provided should not be used by persons under 18, by pregnant or nursing women, or individuals with any type of health condition, except under the direct supervision of a qualified medical professional. The information contained in these articles, and elsewhere on this website, is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to replace, and does not constitute legal, professional, medical or healthcare advice or diagnosis and may not be used for such purposes. Continue...