Even people with pre-existing heart issues benefit greatly from exercise for cardiac patients. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular fitness, lowers blood pressure, helps with weight management, lowers cholesterol, and improves general health. Individuals with heart disease or similar disorders, on the other hand, should exercise with caution and attention. The goal is to perform workouts that are both safe and effective, customized to the individual’s fitness level and health situation.

In Singapore, a variety of fitness facilities and hospitals provide specific programs to meet the demands of cardiac patients, providing a controlled atmosphere in which individuals can restore their fitness under professional supervision. This article offers a thorough reference to exercise for cardiac patients, covering topics such as safe exercise regimens, the advantages of physical activity, and local programs that promote heart health.

The Importance of Exercise for Cardiac Patients

Exercise is an important part of recovery and long-term health management for people with cardiac issues, not merely to maintain fitness. Regular physical activities can:

• Strengthen the Heart Muscle: Exercise allows the heart to pump more efficiently, lowering the effort required to circulate blood throughout the body.
• Improve Circulation: Physical exercise increases blood flow, which can help prevent plaque formation in the arteries and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels: Regular exercise reduces high blood pressure (hypertension) and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
• Manage Weight and Blood Sugar: Exercise helps to control weight and improves the body’s capacity to regulate blood sugar levels, which is especially important for people who have diabetes or metabolic syndrome, both of which are associated with heart disease.
• Lower Stress and Improve Mental Health: Physical activity has been shown to lower stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health. It also improves sleep and elevates mood.

For cardiac patients, safe and planned exercise can greatly enhance quality of life while also lowering the risk of future heart issues.

Types of Safe Exercises for Cardiac Patients

While exercise is good for your heart, not all types of physical activity are appropriate for those with cardiac issues. It is critical to select low-impact, moderate-intensity workouts that promote cardiovascular health without stressing the heart. The following workouts are safe and useful for cardiac patients:

1. Walking

Walking is a safe and simple type of exercise for cardiac patients. It is a low-impact aerobic workout that can be done practically anyplace and is simple to adjust in terms of tempo and intensity.

• Benefits: Walking helps to strengthen the heart, enhance circulation, and regulate weight. It also offers a low risk of injury, making it excellent for first-time exercisers or those recovering from heart surgery.
• How to Get Started: Start with short, 10-15 minute walks at a comfortable pace, gradually increasing the duration and intensity as your fitness improves. Aim for 30-60 minutes of walking on most days of the week.

2. Cycling

Cycling is another great aerobic exercise for heart health. It gives the heart and lungs a mild exercise without overworking the joints.

• Benefits: Cycling improves cardiovascular endurance, develops leg muscles, and promotes weight loss.
• How to Get Started: Begin with short, leisurely rides and progress to longer, more strenuous sessions. Beginners can benefit from using a stationary bike at home or in the gym, which provides a safe and controlled setting.

3. Swimming and Water Aerobics

Water-based exercises, such as swimming and water aerobics, are especially good for cardiac patients since water provides natural resistance, increasing muscle strength without putting stress on the joints.

• Benefits: Swimming increases cardiovascular fitness, lung capacity, and muscle strength. Water aerobics, in particular, enables low-impact activities that benefit the entire body.
• How to Get Started: Start with gentle laps or water walking in the shallow end of the pool. As your stamina improves, gradually increase the time of your swims.

4. Tai Chi

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese technique that involves slow, controlled motions, deep breathing, and mental focus. It is sometimes referred to as “meditation in motion” and is very beneficial for heart patients.

• Benefits: Tai chi promotes relaxation, decreases stress, improves balance and coordination, and boosts cardiovascular health without putting too much load on the heart.
• How to Get Started: Join a tai chi class or watch instructional videos to learn the fundamental moves. Many fitness and community centers in Singapore provide tai chi courses for elders and people with medical issues.

5. Yoga

Yoga is a moderate workout that incorporates physical postures, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques. It can help cardiac patients gain flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance cardiovascular health.

• Benefits: Benefits of yoga include lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and improved lung function. Certain positions also promote circulation and heart health.
• How to Get Started: Select beginner-friendly yoga courses that emphasize moderate stretching, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. Avoid strenuous or extreme yoga forms, such as power yoga or hot yoga, as they might strain the heart.

6. Resistance Training

Strength or resistance training is advantageous to cardiac patients because it promotes muscle growth, improves metabolism, and supports overall physical function. However, it should be done with prudence and professional supervision.

• Benefits: Resistance training increases muscular tone, bone density, and helps with weight management. It can also help minimize the risk of falls, which is especially essential for elderly people.
• How to Get Started: Start with light weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises (such as squats, wall push-ups, and leg lifts). Aim for two to three sessions per week, focusing on the major muscle groups. Avoid lifting heavy weights or exercises that require you to hold your breath since they can elevate your blood pressure.

7. Stretching and Flexibility Exercises

Stretching is essential for preserving flexibility and avoiding injuries. Regular stretching exercises can also help with circulation and healing after aerobic activity.

• Benefits: Stretching promotes flexibility, increases range of motion, and lowers the likelihood of muscular pain or injury following exercise.
• How to Get Started: Incorporate easy stretches into your warm-up and cool-down routines. Focus on key muscle groups and hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds without jumping.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Singapore

Structured cardiac rehabilitation programs offer a safe setting for people recovering from heart surgery, heart attacks, or other cardiac occurrences. These programs are intended to help patients rehabilitate physically, intellectually, and emotionally while receiving professional assistance from healthcare and fitness experts.

In Singapore, various hospitals and fitness centers offer cardiac rehabilitation programmes customized to the needs of cardiac patients:

1. National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

The National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) provides a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program to patients recovering from heart surgery, heart attacks, or other cardiac occurrences. This program includes:

• Supervised Exercise: Patients participate in supervised exercise sessions aimed at increasing cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and strength.
• Lifestyle Counseling: The program provides advice on heart-healthy eating habits, stress management, and medication adherence.
• Emotional Support: To address the emotional issues associated with heart disease, patients might seek counseling and join support groups.

2. Changi General Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Changi General Hospital (CGH) offers a specialist cardiac rehabilitation program that includes exercise, lifestyle counseling, and health education. The program is intended for people who have heart disease, heart failure, or are recuperating from heart surgery.

• Phases of Rehabilitation: The program is separated into phases, beginning with highly monitored exercise sessions and graduating to independent workouts.
• Health Education: Participants learn about heart disease management, including diet, medicine, and stress reduction.

3. Private Fitness Centers Offering Programs for Cardiac Patients

Several private fitness centers in Singapore provide specific programs for cardiac patients, including:

• Fit for Life: This fitness center provides tailored fitness regimens for people with chronic health concerns, such as heart disease. The program emphasizes low-impact workouts and strength training, ensuring that patients exercise safely.
• True Fitness: Offers fitness programs that include personal instruction and low-impact aerobic workouts designed specifically for those with health conditions. They also provide yoga and flexibility lessons for cardiac patients.

4. Community-Based Exercise Programs

Singapore’s Health Promotion Board (HPB) provides a number of community-based exercise programs focused at increasing physical activity among elderly and people with chronic diseases. These programs include brisk walking, tai chi, and stretching exercises. They are great for cardiac patients who value a social and supportive environment.

Guidelines for Safe Exercise for Cardiac Patients

Before starting any fitness regimen, cardiac patients should check with their healthcare professional. Here are some general principles for healthy exercise:

• Get Medical Clearance: Always see your cardiologist or healthcare practitioner before beginning any new fitness plan, especially if you have recently had a cardiac episode.
• Start Slowly and Gradually: Begin with low-intensity workouts and progressively increase the duration and intensity as you gain fitness. Avoid doing high-intensity workouts that can overstrain your heart.
• Monitor Your Heart Rate: Use a heart rate monitor or check your pulse on a frequent basis to ensure that your heart rate remains within a healthy range when exercising. Your doctor can advise you on your goal heart rate zone.
• Warm Up and Cool Down: Always begin your workout with a 5-10 minute warm-up to get your body and heart ready for physical activity. Similarly, end with a cool-down session to restore your heart rate to normal.
• Listen to Your Body: Be aware of any symptoms of discomfort, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or palpitations. If you encounter these symptoms, discontinue exercise immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to maintain hydration and improve cardiovascular performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it safe for heart patients to exercise?

Yes, exercise is safe for most cardiac patients, but it must be done under medical supervision and tailored to the patient’s specific health needs. It is critical to obtain medical clearance and execute an organized exercise program.

2. How frequently should cardiac patients exercise?

Cardiac patients should strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, supplemented by two to three strength-training sessions. The frequency may vary depending on personal health and fitness levels.

3. Can cardiac patients perform strength training?

Yes, strength training is useful for cardiac patients, but only with small weights or resistance bands and under supervision. Avoid heavy lifting and exercises that require holding your breath.

4. Which exercises should cardiac patients avoid?

Cardiac patients should avoid high-intensity activities, abrupt bursts of activity, and exercises requiring heavy lifting or straining. Always select low-impact, controlled movements.

5. Can I workout with a pacemaker or stent?

Yes, most people with pacemakers or stents can exercise, but they should follow a personalized fitness plan designed by their healthcare professional to guarantee their safety.

6. How can I track my heart rate while exercising?

You can keep track of your heart rate with a wearable heart rate monitor or by manually checking your pulse. Your doctor can recommend a safe heart rate range for your situation.

7. What do I do if I have chest pain or discomfort while exercising?

If you get chest pain, discomfort, or shortness of breath when exercising, stop immediately and rest. If your symptoms persist, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Exercise is an effective technique for maintaining heart health and enhancing the quality of life for cardiac patients. Individuals with heart issues should, however, engage in safe, effective exercise routines that are adapted to their specific health demands. With the help of structured cardiac rehabilitation programs and professional advice from healthcare providers, cardiac patients in Singapore can safely include exercise into their everyday routines to improve heart function and lower their risk of future heart issues.

There are numerous methods to keep active and healthy, including participating in community-based programs, attending fitness centers for people with chronic diseases, and working with a cardiac rehabilitation team. Always check your healthcare professional before beginning any new fitness regimen to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your situation.

If you’re concerned about potential heart disease symptoms or simply want to be proactive with your cardiovascular health, taking action today can have a lasting impact. Contact the Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre for a complete heart evaluation. Call +65 6235 5300 to schedule an appointment with our expert cardiologists. Your heart deserves the best care—because your health is our highest concern!

Written by: Dr Michael MacDonald MB ChB, BSc (Hons), MRCP (UK), MD (Research), FESC (Europe).  Dr MacDonald was trained in the UK and is a senior Consultant Cardiologist.