Heart Failure and Physical Activity If you have heart failure,
you may wonder if physical activity is good for you. How could
putting more strain on your heart and making it work harder be a
good thing? The heart is a muscle, and like other muscles, it
gets stronger with use. Regular and moderate physical activity,
such as walking, swimming, or biking, can improve heart failure
symptoms, reduce stress, and increase energy levels. It can also
decrease blood pressure, improve circulation, and help you lose
weight--important factors in staying healthy, especially when
you have heart failure. Being physically active with this
condition can be a struggle, and you may have to follow certain
precautions. Talk with your health care provider before starting
a physical activity program. If you’re not used to physical
activity and are nervous about starting, your health care
provider can help you develop a physical activity plan that fits
your needs.