Which sports to practice in case of cardiovascular pathologies? HIRO | perfect.health

Which sports to practice in case of cardiovascular pathologies?

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Sport and cardiovascular diseases, what you need to know

Sport and cardiovascular diseases, what you need to know

As the leading cause of death worldwide, cardiovascular disease can affect anyone. The World Health Organization estimates that cardiovascular disease accounts for 31% of global mortality. It must be recognised that cardiovascular disease can have very serious consequences, including death. Fortunately, it is entirely possible to maintain heart and vascular health through sport. The following paragraphs provide an update on this topic.

Cardiovascular diseases, what are we talking about?

Cardiovascular pathologies, as the name suggests, are disorders affecting the health of the heart and arteries. As such, the term "cardiovascular diseases" includes coronary heart disease (a condition that affects the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle), cerebrovascular disease (a condition that affects the blood vessels supplying the brain) and arteriopathy when the damage affects the blood vessels supplying the legs and arms. In addition, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart defects, venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms are also included in this classification.

Can cardiovascular disease be prevented?

Preventing cardiovascular disease is not easy. In fact, you need to be aware that such diseases may have no symptoms. In any case, there are signs that can put you on the spot. This is the case with heart attacks or strokes. Prevention can also mean reducing or even eliminating behavioural risk factors. For example, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, reducing salt intake and eating more fruit and vegetables can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Also, playing sports can improve cardiovascular health.

Can people with this type of disease play sports?

There is no reason why a person with a cardiovascular condition should not participate in sports. In fact, scientists recommend regular exercise in order to reap all the direct benefits of sport on the risk of cardiovascular disorders. In any case, you should always seek the advice of your doctor in order to know the best exercise for your health condition. Indeed, for some people, moderate physical activity is recommended while for others, it will be intense efforts.

The effects of sports participation on cardiovascular health are multiple. Find out more below.

Effects on heart health - regular physical activity can reduce resting heart rate. It is important to note that a low heart rate is a sign of good physical condition. Exercise also reduces the heart rate during exercise, which significantly improves the functional capacity of the heart. Finally, physical training also improves cardiac contraction and thus increases the volume of blood ejected during each contraction. This allows the heart to adapt more easily to the effort.
Effects on the vessels - the practice of sport also has a positive impact on the health of the vessels and arteries. This is the case for the reduction of blood pressure. This has the effect of promoting the dilatation function of the artery. An increase in venous tone is also one of the beneficial effects of physical activity.

What physical activities should be practiced in case of cardiovascular disease?

This is probably the question that all people with cardiovascular disease ask themselves. In fact, it is important to remember that you should always seek the advice of your doctor to avoid taking certain risks. If your doctor prescribes an endurance sport, you can choose between two types of programs: continuous or split work. The first is to work at the same speed without taking breaks. The second is to work at different intensities during different intervals. This is the most suitable for people with cardiovascular diseases.

In any case, discover below the main sports most suitable for people with cardiovascular pathologies.

Running

As an endurance sport, running or jogging is good for maintaining a good cardiac capacity. However, it is not easy at the beginning and requires a period of 2 to 3 months to get back into shape.

Swimming

Swimming is beneficial for cardiovascular health. The best is to do three sessions per week and to favour the Olympic pools (50 meters long) so as not to interrupt the efforts.

Walking

For those 60 years of age and older, walking is the most appropriate activity to maintain heart and blood vessel health without putting too much strain on them. It is also one of the most accessible sports to take care of respiratory and cardiac functions. If you prefer to use poles, Nordic walking is a great option.

The bike

For those over 60 years old, cycling is a sport to be favoured in order to maintain the health of your heart. Whether indoors or outdoors, it is particularly suitable for the rehabilitation of people with a heart condition.

It is important to remember here that before practising a sport, you should consult your doctor.