Heart disease is one of the most significant health issues we face today. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one in four deaths can be attributed to heart disease. Thankfully there are ways to prevent heart disease. Eating right, smoking less, and learning ways to cope with stress are all great places to start when it comes to cardiovascular health, but there is more to a healthy heart than avoiding fatty foods and cigarettes. The best way to develop a long-term plan to prevent heart disease is by working with a professional, and when it comes to physical health, no one knows better than your local physical therapist. There are many benefits of physical therapy, but here are a few of the ways that it can help you maintain a healthy heart.
What Type of Exercises are Good for Your Heart?
According to the American Heart Association, a pro-heart health plan should involve aerobic and cardiovascular activity for 30 minutes daily at least 5 times a week. Not only is cardio great for your body as a whole, but more specifically it strengthens your heart and blood vessels, improving circulation and getting oxygen to your muscles. Cardio lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, risk of developing a handful of diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s, and lowers your chances of a heart attack. In physical therapy, a professional will assess your physical condition and design a plan tailored to you that will get you the exercise you need. Jumping straight into an intense exercise regimen may seem daunting but having a therapist there to guide you through that process can make the transition easier. Building a lifestyle that’s centered around putting your health first can improve your quality of life and decrease the risk of heart problems down the road.
What if I’ve Had a Cardiovascular Event?
After a serious cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or cardiac arrest, your doctor may prescribe cardiac rehabilitation to improve your heart health. This type of rehabilitation begins with a medical evaluation to develop a heart-healthy diet and exercise routine. A physical therapist may recommend low-impact physical activities, warm-up, and cool-down techniques, and muscle strengthening through weight training or resistance exercises. Though cardiac rehab is typically prescribed to patients that have suffered heart attacks or failures, your doctor may also recommend rehab for:
1. Coronary artery disease
2. Valve repair
3. Hypertension
4. Angina
5. Cardiomyopathy
6. Coronary artery bypass surgery
7. Angioplasty
8. Stent placement
9. Heart transplant
10. Congenital heart diseases
Physical Therapy in Manhattan, NY
If you are looking to improve your heart’s health or physical therapy near you, work smarter, not harder. Instead of hitting the treadmill, work with one of our health care professionals to design a plan that is tailored to your needs so that you can get the most out of your workouts. Here at Theradynamics, our goal is to get you back on your feet and feeling great as soon as possible. If you want to know more about our services, visit one of our Theradynamics locations in Manhattan, Queens, New Jersey, and the Bronx, NY or schedule an appointment today.