Exercise and Cardiovascular Health

More than 5 million Americans were reported to have been afflicted by congestive heart failure (CHF) in 2005 with 550,000 being new cases diagnosed and 52,828 deaths.5 Currently heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. CHF is where the heart fails to pump blood and oxygen adequately to meet other organ needs. It is the most common reason adults over the age of 65 are hospitalized.1

Know the Symptoms of Heart Failure!1:

·         Shortness of Breath

·         Chronic Coughing or Wheezing

·         Build-Up of Fluid

·         Fatigue/ Lightheaded

·         Nausea/ Lack of appetite

·         Confusion

·         High Heart Rate

Having one of these is not necessarily a red flag, however more than one it is suggested to see your physician about possible heart disease. If these symptoms do arise your physician will run you through several tests to determine if there is a problem. There are two sides to this 1) everything could be fine and 2) you could have a heart condition which could lead to surgery or medication to prevent things from becoming worse.1

Everyone knows that surgery is expensive, but so is medication. If one is put on it for the rest of their lives, it is because that is all the doctor prescribes. Yes, the physician will probably also suggest physical activity, but not specific exercises.

HD Medications (depending on what is diagnosed)1:

·         Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors - ($0.02-$2.50 EA)4

·         Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (or Inhibitors) – ($.08-$3.24 EA)4

·         Angiotensin-Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNIs) – ($.50-$.60 EA)4

·         If Channel Blocker (or inhibitor) – ($6.23-$6.31 EA)4

·         Beta Blockers – ($.03-$.38 EA)4

·         Aldosterone Antagonists – ($.06-$1.04 EA)4

·         Hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate – ($2.85 EA)4

·         Diuretics (Water pills) – ($.01-$1.53 EA)4

These prescriptions are priced by the tablet, some individuals have to take these medications multiple times a day and also for years or even for the rest of their life.

Exercise as a Prescription!

After one suffers heart failure and they are medically stable patients, exercise is necessary as part of the rehabilitation process. Muscle weakness and easy fatigability are associated with worsening of heart failure.3

High levels of cardiovascular fitness (CVF) are associated with higher habitual physical activity which increases health benefits.2

Programs have used walking, jogging, cycling, rope skipping, swimming, stair-climbing and cross-country skiing simulation, dynamic calisthenics, and higher intensity interval training to stimulate cardiovascular improvement.5

Exercise can help! Our bodies are made to handle obstacles; however we have to take care of them. By raising CVF levels (with physician’s approval) one can increase their own health benefits and have a healthier life without fearing the risk of worsening your cardiovascular health.

1(2016, October 6). Retrieved from American Heart Association: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

2(2016). Retrieved from American College of Sports Medicine.

3Eddy, L. (1993). Physical Therapy Pharmacology. St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book, Inc.

4NADAC as of 2016-9-14. (2016, October 6). Retrieved from Medicaid.gov: https://data.medicaid.gov/Drug-Prices/NADAC-as-of-2016-09-14/nxzv-5ndn

5William D. McArdle, F. I. (2007). Exercise Physiology; Energy, Nutrition, & Human Performance. Maryland: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.