Exercise Your Way to Better Health with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Optimizing Your Workout Routine with Pulmonary Hypertension

Working Out with Pulmonary Hypertension

Living with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) can be challenging, with symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling, and fatigue. It might seem counterintuitive, but the right kind of exercise, with your doctor’s approval, can actually improve your symptoms and enhance your quality of life. Let’s dive into how exercise can benefit you and discuss the best ways to get moving!

Why Exercise Helps

Exercise is like a magical potion for your body, offering a plethora of health benefits. As Eugene Chung, MD, chair of the American College of Cardiology Sports and Exercise Cardiology Leadership Council, states, “We call sitting the new smoking. If you’re leading a sedentary lifestyle, the best investment you can make in your health is to get up and start moving around more often.”

Regular exercise contributes to a smarter and more efficient heart and body. It keeps your blood vessels in top shape and reduces inflammation, which has a positive impact on PAH. Here’s how it works: PAH puts stress on the right ventricle of your heart, triggering a chain reaction in your body. One of these reactions is an increase in adrenaline, the hormone responsible for activating your “fight or flight” response.

Thankfully, exercise has proven in numerous studies to decrease inflammation and train your heart to handle the surge of adrenaline. This enhances your peak exercise heart rate, which indicates how efficiently your heart can pump when you’re active. Additionally, exercise helps lower your blood pressure, preventing the cascade of negative changes from occurring in the first place. In summary, exercise serves as a cycle-breaker, halting the progression of PAH symptoms.

The Best Ways to Get Moving

Before starting any exercise program, it is crucial to consult with your doctor and receive regular follow-ups. Your doctor understands your limitations and will provide guidance on what exercises are suitable for you. Ideally, you should engage in exercise under the supervision of a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program. When it comes to the type of exercise that yields the best results, aerobic activities take center stage. These are exercises that get your heart pumping, unlike isometric moves that involve muscle contraction or high-resistance exercises like weightlifting.

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Here are some excellent options to get your blood pumping:

• Walking: Take a stroll around your neighborhood or hop on a treadmill to achieve your steps. Aim for three one-hour sessions per week.
• Swimming: Water workouts are fantastic for toning your muscles without straining your joints. Try water aerobics or do laps in the pool.
• Cycling: Elliptical bikes and recumbent bikes offer a safe way to cycle without the risk of falling.

Other types of exercise that can be beneficial for individuals with PAH include:

• Yoga: While research on the direct benefits of yoga on PAH is limited, its slow and mindful stretching reduces stress and inflammation in the body.
• Light resistance training: Strengthen and maintain muscle flexibility by using light weights, such as soup cans, or just your body weight. A rehabilitation specialist can guide you through exercises like chair squats, wall push-ups, calf raises, bicep curls, and more.

Avoid lifting heavy weights, as this can worsen symptoms. As Dr. Chung warns, “High-intensity weightlifting could potentially strain the right side of the heart, depending on the cause of pulmonary hypertension.” Holding your breath during lifting also increases pressure in your chest cavity, adding further risk.

What to Watch For

As with any exercise routine, it’s essential to listen to your body and watch for signs that you might be pushing yourself too hard. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Exercise when you feel your best and have the most energy during the day.
• Work out with a buddy to motivate each other and ensure safety.
• Avoid holding your breath while exercising.
• Always warm up before and cool down after your workout.
• Start small and gradually increase intensity as your body adapts.

If you experience any concerning side effects, such as increased swelling or heightened shortness of breath, be sure to inform your doctor promptly.

Remember, exercise is your ally in managing PAH and improving your well-being. Don’t be afraid to embrace physical activity with caution and under professional supervision. Your journey to better health starts with one step, or in this case, one exercise routine at a time.

Now it’s your turn! How has exercise impacted your life with PAH? Share your experiences and tips with us in the comments below. Let’s inspire and support each other on this incredible journey towards better health!