Can You Strengthen Your Heart After Cardiac Failure?

Unfortunately, you can’t totally recover from heart failure, but there is something you can do to strengthen your heart muscle. Engaging in regular exercise or physical therapy is a proven way of building up muscle strength. But launching into an exercise regime without proper advice and guidance is ill-advised.

Fairview Rehab And Nursing Home in Queens NY offers inpatient and outpatient rehab therapy, including physical therapy to aid recovery and strengthen the heart. Our facility provides compassionate nursing care, emotional support, as well as a program of stress-busting activities, including pet therapy. One thing to know about rehab therapy is that it is not just about your physical wellbeing. It also helps you develop a positive outlook, enhances your mental wellbeing, and makes you feel better in yourself.

Portrait of physical therapist in Fairview Rehab gym where people get physical therapy to strengthen heart

Check out how some simple exercises, or even going for a short walk, can improve your heart health. Be aware that this article is for general information only and no substitute for a personal consultation with your doctor.

Exercises to Strengthen Your Heart

There are two main types of exercise – aerobic and stretching exercises. Aerobic exercises get you breathing harder and faster and can tire you out if you are not careful. Stretching exercises, as with yoga for instance, complement aerobic exercises and help to improve your posture, balance and coordination. Breathing exercises are a third option and are highly beneficial as they improve oxygen levels in the blood.

People who have had a heart attack – even a mild one – need to be very careful how they exercise. Seek the advice of a physical therapist or doctor on how to strengthen your heart while ensuring you stay safe. The aim with any exercise routine is to build up your stamina, strength, and endurance gradually and steadily.

Exercises help circulation

Physical exercises strengthen the heart and lungs to more efficiently deliver oxygen around the body. Your heart is the engine which drives oxygenated blood to the muscles and around the whole body. If done appropriately, exercise improves your blood circulation and heart health.

Oxygen is so important for every part of your body, including the brain. Keeping in good physical shape helps slow down the onset of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases.

Exercises strengthen your heart muscle

Strengthening the heart by exercising will improve muscle tone and muscle strength. With improved muscle function you stay independent for longer and take part in more fun activities. Improved heart muscles will give you a better chance of being able to exercise for longer. This, in turn, has positive mental and physical health benefits.

Fairview Rehab is well known for its expert physical and occupational therapists who also have lots of experience helping heart patients. Rest assured that if you have had a heart problem you can safely strengthen your heart under our supervision.

Contact us to learn more about our outpatient and inpatient rehab therapies, IV therapy, wound care and 24/7 compassionate nursing care and therapeutic recreation.

This article contains informational and educational materials and does not replace health or medical advice. For questions or concerns regarding your medical condition or health objectives, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.