Patient Education Caring For Your Heart Booklet | Page 28

Exercise Weight Control
The heart muscle needs exercise to keep
it strong. Regular, moderate exercise
may help you to avoid another heart
attack. Exercise will also lower blood
triglycerides and increase the “good”
cholesterol in your bloodstream. Good
cholesterol, called HDL, is believed
to help stop the progression of heart
disease. Exercise is an excellent way
to relieve stress. It may also help lower
blood pressure and help you lose weight
and stop smoking. Overweight people have a greater risk of
heart disease because:
 The heart has to work harder to deal
with the extra weight.
 High blood pressure increases the
workload of the heart.
 Levels of LDL cholesterol are higher.
 Very little or no exercise can make the
heart and body less strong.
 Diabetes is more common.
As you complete your initial cardiac
rehab activity program, you will need
to continue with a walking program or
some other form of regular exercise.
Regular exercise is a key factor in
preventing and managing heart disease.
How to lose weight
Talk with a dietitian about setting up a
meal plan that you can live with. You
may also fi nd that a buddy system works
well for you, so team up with a friend
who has a similar weight-loss goal.
Weight Watchers ® and other weight-loss
programs that offer support and sound
nutritional advice may also be helpful.
The key to losing weight is to eat less
and exercise more. Cut back on your
portion sizes. Limit sweets and fatty
foods. Any fat has more than twice
the number of calories of protein and
carbohydrates.
Be aware of your eating triggers.
Triggers can include being upset or
stressed, certain foods such as chocolate,
or events such as parties or family
gatherings. Try to tune into your fullness
signals. Eat slowly until you feel satisfi ed
rather than stuffed.
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