Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

heart

Returning to Exercise After a Heart Attack

Myocardial infarctions, better known as heart attacks, are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Generally, heart attacks are a result of coronary heart disease (CHD). With CHD, plaque begins to buildup in the coronary arteries leading to a reduction of oxygen-rich blood to our heart. If the plaque builds up too largely and the heart does not receive enough blood, the heart muscles start to die. At this point, heart damage is not obvious and severe or long-lasting complications can occur, including a heart attack.

Symptoms are not always present in CHD and but there are a few major symptoms associated with a heart attack. These include chest pain, upper body pain above the belly button and shortness of breath. Thankfully, heart attacks and CHD are preventable and many risk factors can be controlled. The risk factors include:

  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Obesity/Overweight
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Unhealthy diet
  • High blood sugar due to insulin resistance or diabetes

*Items in BOLD can be further controlled by increased physical activity

In the event that someone has experienced a heart attack, it is possible to return to normal activity. Most people that do not experience chest pain or discomfort or other problems will typically return to normal activities within a few weeks and walking can start immediately.

When programming for an individual that has had a heart attack it is important for them to ease back into exercise. The key is to slowly build up to being able to withstand 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity. During this period, low-impact movements like walking or light gardening are preferred. As the individual gets stronger and gains stamina, others activities like swimming, cycling or non-contact sports can be added.

Strength training is not recommended in the short-term and, apart from light weights during the early recovery period should be avoided until a physician or cardiac rehabilitation team confirms approval to begin. This is due to the spike in blood pressure that is associated with heavy lifting.

If you would like information pertaining to CHD or myocardial infarctions be sure to check out my.clevelandclinic.org. Also, be aware that most patients will receive a prescription for cardiac rehabilitation, which has been an effective program for recovery post-myocardial infarction. Feel free to ask any of our fitness professionals any questions you may have.

 

 

By Julian C. Lee

Good V. Bad Cholesterol Explained

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a wax like substance found in all cells of the body. We need it to make hormones, Vitamin D, and various substances that help with digestion. Cholesterol comes from 2 sources- our body and the food that we eat. Our liver and cells produce about 75% of our total cholesterol and we consume the other 25% through our diet.

Cholesterol travels through our bloodstream in small packages called lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are made of fat on the inside and surrounded by a protein outside. We have two common lipoproteins known as a low density lipoprotein, or LDL, and a high density lipoprotein, or HDL. It is important to have healthy levels of both because too much LDL or not enough HDL increases our risk for heart disease.

What are “good” and “bad” cholesterol?

Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) is referred to as bad cholesterol because when too much LDL circulates in the blood it slowly builds up in the walls of the arteries that feed the heart and the brain resulting in atherosclerosis. The LDL, in addition to other substances, forms plaque which narrows and hardens the arteries, thus limiting oxygen rich blood from traveling through. This can lead to formation of clots and can eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke. LDL is produced naturally and the amount is greatly determined by genes inherited from your family.

High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) is referred to as good cholesterol because high levels seem to protect against heart disease. HDL is believed to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver where it can be removed from the body. It is also believed that HDL may remove excess cholesterol from the arterial plaque and in return slows the buildup.

Triglycerides- Triglycerides are a form of fat that is made in the body. High levels are due to cigarettes, inactivity, excess alcohol consumption, obesity, and a high carbohydrate diet. High levels of triglycerides are correlated with heart disease and diabetes.