When a person with a healthy heart exercises, his coronary blood vessels respond to the increased oxygen demand by increasing the blood supply to the heart.
But in angina, your heart vessels are clogged and the blood flow to your heart is reduced. The heart is barely able to provide you with enough oxygen to cope, with your daily activities. When the additional burden of exertion or emotion is added, it can no longer cope and you start to experience discomfort in the chest region.
Though dealing with angina may seem like a challenge, you can learn to live well with angina by making the right choices and small lifestyle changes.
Even though strenuous and laborious activity can bring on a bout of angina pain, it is necessary to stay fit and active even if you have angina. The main thing is to know your limits and stick to them. For example, you may be able to take a long walk without triggering an angina attack, but you may not be able to jog along a slope. Or, you may be able to take your pet for a walk but may not be able to participate in a marathon.
Staying active with angina
If you are an angina patient then it is natural to be a little apprehensive of exercise after experiencing a discomforting heart event. But, remember that regular physical activity is a must to keep your heart in shape.
The type and the duration of exercise will depend upon your own individual capacity and is best decided by a cardiologist.
As you might be aware, exercise can be categorized into three basic types
Prior to beginning any physical activity, be sure to consult your physician in order to ensure that the regimen is suitable to and safe for your condition. Most importantly, do not overdo anything! Now that you are aware of this, get-set-go!
