Congestive Heart Failure - Exercise Guideline

Congestive Heart Failure Exercise Guideline To strengthen your muscle To reduce chance of future heart problems

To increase energy level

Why is it important for me to exercise?

To relieve stress and increase confidence

To reduce shortness of breath To reduce weight

What can I do if I am experiencing shortness of breath?

Pursed Lip Breathing  Gently breathe in through your nose.  Blow out through your mouth with “pursed” lip (like blowing whistle).

Energy Conservation  Plan your daily activities by alternating between heavy and light tasks.  Pace and take frequent breaks between activities.  Modify your environment: store frequently used items in easy to reach areas.  Use wheeled trolley to move heavy objects.  Sit down during activities such as laundry, meal preparation.

Positioning  Sleep with supporting pillow.  Forward leaning with shoulder supported.

How do I exercise?

1. Warm Up To prepare the heart, muscles and joints for exercise and prevent injury  Lifting arms, marching on the spot  5mins 2. Aerobic Exercise To increase stamina and tolerance of the heart muscle  Walking, cycling, swimming, stairs climbing.  3-5 times per week.  RPE 4-5  5-10mins, progress gradually to 30min as tolerated 3. Strengthening To increase tolerance and reduce muscle fatigue during exercise  Upper body: biceps curl, lifting weights above head.  Lower body: squats, calf raises  5reps, 3 sets 4. Cool Down To prevent muscle soreness, stiffness and to allow gradual recovery after exercise  Stretching of the arms and legs.  Hold for 10-30 seconds, do 1-3 reps

Intensity monitoring: Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) “How hard am I working?”

RPE Scale (modified) 0 No exertion at all 1 2 Very light

STOP all exercises if you feel:

3



Chest pain

4 Light



Severe shortness of breath



Giddiness



Excessive cold sweat

5 Moderate 6

7 Hard (heavy)

8 Very hard 9 10

Maximum exertion

Disclaimer: Exercises illustrated and instructed in this handout are strictly for designated patient based on the assessment and instruction of the therapist. If you have any doubts, please contact your therapist.

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group.

Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.

REHAB.PE.PT.070.0320