If you have heart failure, you have to keep your heart strong. Your heart is a muscle, and exercise can help make it stronger. There are a lot more reasons why exercise is good for you. It can help you lose weight or stay at a healthy weight. It can help reduce heart failure symptoms. It can even lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It can help you get rid of stress and give you more energy. And, it can lead to better circulation.

• Walking is best. Start slowly. As you get stronger, over time, walk for longer amounts of time.
• Wear flat shoes and clothes that are comfortable.
• Exercise at the same time each day so that it becomes a habit.
• Don’t exercise if it’s very hot or very cold outside, right after you eat, or if you do not feel well.
• Try new activities and ask friends or family to join you to make it more fun.
• Stay away from activities where you have to hold your breath or bear down, such as lifting weights.

Don’t Overdo It

If you start having any of these symptoms, slow down. If the symptoms don’t go away, call 911 or the emergency response system in your area.

• Irregular heart rate (pulse)
• More shortness of breath (you can’t finish a sentence, or you are short of breath after you stop exercising)
• More tired or weak than usual
• Dizzy or lightheaded
• Chest pain or tightness
• Pain in your jaw, neck, shoulders, or arms
• Nausea or vomiting