Yoga

Yoga is shown to improve stress, anxiety and depression. While it does not count towards your weekly exercise total (as it is not classed an aerobic activity) it is recommended as an additional activity. A good way to involve yoga in your weekly routine would be to use some of the movements during your cool down after your exercise session.

For people with heart conditions or at risk of heart conditions, yoga helps you to deal with your stress which as you now know is a risk factor for heart disease. It can also lower blood pressure and promotes confidence and motivation which may help you maintain other lifestyle changes you are implementing. It also improves balance and coordination which is important for some of you (you know who you are).  Practising yoga movement works the muscles and the deep breathing involved brings more oxygen into the body and can help reduce blood pressure.

Here’s a fun fact for you, the Sanskrit term for yoga postures is asana which can be translated to postures that are comfortably held. So, for anyone thinking Yoga involves bending your body into weird and wonderful shapes this doesn’t have to be the case and shouldn’t be the case for those of you with heart conditions as it will put too much strain on your heart. Holding the positions in a comfortable position for you is very relaxing and a great way to stretch your body.

I don’t do any yoga myself, but I know plenty of people who do. Have a look for some videos on YouTube. If you can find one that lasts 10-15 minutes you can use this as your cool down. But it’s something that I highly recommend especially for those of you who struggle with stress.

DASH Diet

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The Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension (DASH) diet was developed in response to rising incidences of high blood pressure. It is recommended by the US government and is similar to the Canadian recommendations. Research has shown it to reduce blood pressure and...

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The Eatwell Guide

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Similar to the Mediterranean diet, the Eatwell guide is the governments healthy eating advice. You may well have seen a picture of this before. It is a plate set out with the different foods you need for a healthy, balanced diet and how much of each group you should...

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Mediterranean Diet

Mediterranean Diet

Incorporates the traditional healthy living habits of people living in countries which border the Mediterranean sea including France, Greece, Italy and Spain. The diet tends to be high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, fish and unsaturated fats. It tends to be...

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Diet

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There is lots of different information out there in regards to diet. There are also many different types of diet you can choose from and quite quickly it can all become overwhelming and confusing. Firstly, it is important not to get diet and dieting confused. Dieting,...

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Running

Running

Another great form of aerobic exercise counting towards your 150 minutes a week of moderate activity. Running isn’t for everyone but for those of you who are keen runners, it is a great way to regain, maintain and develop cardiovascular fitness. This doesn’t have to...

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Badminton

Badminton

Badminton is an aerobic activity and will count towards your 150 minutes of moderate activity each week and will help strengthen your heart. Surprisingly, more than one million people in Britain regularly participate in badminton, it is a non-contact sport, suitable...

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Cycling

Cycling

According the British Medical Association, cycling 20 miles each week reduces the potential to develop heart disease by 50%. Cycling is another good form of exercise which helps increase stamina, cardiovascular fitness, leg strength and mental health. This does not...

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Walking

Walking

Free exercise available to anyone at any time. It can be overlooked as a form of exercise but brisk walking can help build stamina, burn calories and make your heart healthier. As well as the physical benefits of walking, there are plenty of mental benefits also....

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Weight Training

Weight Training

Current research is showing that weight training is a safe and effective method of training for people with and without heart problems. It has been shown to increase the strength of bones, muscles and connective tissues. It lowers the risk of injuries, improves...

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Swimming

Swimming

Swimming is a great exercise to develop strong muscles whilst helping to lose weight and is one of the few activities that works your whole body.  One of the reasons swimming is so great is because it will give us a good workout without putting any impact on your...

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Weight Loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding Your Heart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk Factors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Cariovascular Disease?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medication

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journey through Cardiac Rehab