How to Use Exercise to Prevent Heart Attacks

By eHow Health Editor

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Exercise has been clinically proven to help prevent heart attacks. In fact, a rigorous cardiovascular exercise program is one the most beneficial things you can do to prevent a heart attack, or to protect yourself from subsequent heart attacks if you've already had one. Exercise is especially important for women, who suffer fatal heart attacks four to six times more than men, especially after age 65. If you or a loved one are at risk due to genetics or medical history, then you should know how to use exercise to prevent heart attacks.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Clearance to exercise from your physician

Learn How to Use Exercise to Prevent Heart Attacks

Step1

Schedule an appointment with your doctor to evaluate your exercise readiness. Your doctor may want to conduct a stress electrocardiogram to help determine what level of exercise is currently appropriate for you. Over time, you will be able to increase the intensity of your exercise routine accordingly.

Step2

Consider obtaining a membership at your local gym or health club. There is usually an assortment of exercise activities and classes available that are suitable for every level. Just make sure you start out slowly and work your way up. For example, walk the treadmill for a few weeks or months and then graduate to a speed cycling class.

Step3

Work with a personal trainer, if possible, to help you develop an exercise program just for you. This person can also assist you with record keeping to keep track of your progress. Most gyms and health clubs can provide a personal trainer.

Step4

Get out and walk. Brisk walking is an excellent cardiovascular workout, aside from being enjoyable. As little as 40 minutes per day, four days per week can help to prevent future heart attacks.

Step5

Grab a partner. Exercising with a friend or family member helps to make the activity more enjoyable and less like a chore. Buddying up also increases your likelihood of sticking to a regular workout routine.

Tips & Warnings

Generally, plan to exercise 30 to 60 minutes three to four days a week, whether it's biking, walking, jogging, swimming or other fitness activity.
While you use exercise for heart attack prevention, make sure you continue to take any medications your doctor may have prescribed and adhere to a balanced diet and recommended lifestyle changes.
While exercise can help prevent heart attacks, intense exercise can precipitate heart attacks. So, make sure you get medical clearance from your doctor before entering an exercise regimen and before you increase its level of intensity.