When you've been diagnosed with heart problems, it becomes even more important to keep your heart as healthy as you can. Exercise makes your heart muscle stronger, and allows you to participate in more activities without getting out of breath or having other heart related symptoms. Exercise has many health benefits, help you reduce dangerous cholesterol and blood sugar levels. If you've had a recent heart procedure, or you are recovering from a heart attack, it's necessary to talk with your doctor to ensure the exercise plan you have is safe for you. While exercising is good, some exercise may be too strenuous when you first begin working out after being told that you have problems with your heart.

Don't Start a New Exercise Plan Without Consulting Your Doctor

While you may feel very motivated to begin an exercise plan when you are told you need to strengthen your heart muscle, it's important that you wait until meeting with your doctor before starting. Strenuous exercise too quickly can be detrimental to your overall health. In addition, once you are following an exercise plan, you'll want to talk about increasing the intensity of your routine with your doctor before you do. Exercise is essential, but it has to be the right type and level of exercise to be beneficial for your heart.

Aerobic Exercise is Good for Your Heart

Aerobic exercise gets your blood flowing and increases the efficiency of how your heart uses oxygen. Light exercise such as swimming, easy jogging, or swimming are all good activities to get your blood flowing without being too strenuous on your heart. Aim to exercise 3 or 4 times a week, and don't allow yourself to get too tired while you are exercising. While you are trying to increase your stamina, you want to do this slowly over time.

Give Yourself Time to Warm Up and Cool Down

Take five minutes before you begin exercising to stretch and warm up your muscles, and allow your body to cool down slowly after exercise. As you are exercising, know what your limits are. If you start to feel tired or dizzy, it's time to stop and take a break.

As you begin following a new exercise routine, pay attention to any symptoms. Write down what you were doing at the time to cause your symptoms, and discuss any concerns with your doctor. Together you can make changes to your exercise routine as necessary.