Which sports are particularly suitable for people with cardiovascular problems?
October 5, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Tobias Klein
Dear Doctor,
My name is Eva Sontheimer and I am reaching out to you because I have some questions regarding sports for people with cardiovascular problems. I am 55 years old and have been suffering from high blood pressure and occasional heart rhythm disturbances for a few years. My general practitioner has advised me to exercise more to improve my heart health. However, I am unsure which sports are suitable for me as I am afraid of endangering my health.
I have experience with jogging and cycling, but I feel that these sports may exacerbate my heart rhythm disturbances. Additionally, I am unsure if intense training could harm my high blood pressure. Therefore, I am wondering which sports are particularly recommended for people with cardiovascular problems like mine. Are there sports that can strengthen my heart and positively impact my high blood pressure without worsening my heart rhythm disturbances?
I am worried that incorrect training could compromise my health and therefore want to ensure that I choose the right sport. Can you provide me with some specific recommendations on which sports I can safely engage in to improve my heart health? Are there specific forms of exercise that I should avoid to prevent any health risks?
I thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Eva Sontheimer
Dear Mrs. Sontheimer,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding suitable sports for people with cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders. It is understandable that you are concerned about choosing the right sport to improve your health without worsening your existing issues. I am happy to provide you with some recommendations that can help you improve your heart health without exacerbating your current problems.
First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that regular physical activity can have a positive impact on heart health. However, people with cardiovascular problems should pay special attention to choosing sports activities that do not worsen their symptoms.
For individuals with high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders, sports such as walking, swimming, yoga, Tai Chi, or gentle cycling are often suitable. These activities are gentle on the cardiovascular system and can help lower blood pressure and regulate heart rate. Additionally, these sports can help reduce stress and improve overall physical fitness.
It is important to start training slowly and not push yourself too hard. Make sure to warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards. Listen to your body and take breaks if you feel tired or exhausted.
It is advisable to avoid intense endurance sports such as jogging or fast cycling, as these may exacerbate your heart rhythm disorders. Also, sports that put a heavy strain on the cardiovascular system should be avoided.
Please consult your primary care physician or a sports medicine specialist before starting a new exercise program. Your doctor can provide individualized advice and may also perform a stress test to ensure that you can exercise safely without endangering your health.
I hope this information helps you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me. I wish you success in improving your heart health.
Sincerely,
Tobias Klein
