Heart Failure
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure occurs when the heart, which functions as a pump to circulate blood throughout the body, fails to operate effectively. This condition inhibits the heart’s ability to deliver oxygen-rich blood to cells, which is essential for energy production. In heart failure, the heart muscle may either become weakened and unable to properly pump blood or become stiff, limiting its capacity to fill with blood.
Why Do I Feel So Tired?
Heart failure extends its impact beyond just the heart, presenting as a syndrome that affects individuals in various ways. During stable heart failure, some individuals may experience significant fatigue, while others may find themselves short of breath with minimal exertion. This fatigue can be attributed to changes in muscle composition, where the muscles in the arms and legs adapt to have a higher proportion of sprint fibers. This alteration allows for brief bursts of activity, followed by quick exhaustion.
Additionally, sluggish arteries contribute to fatigue by slowing blood flow, making it harder to engage in physical activities. Since these arteries are slow to dilate, it takes longer for oxygenated blood to reach the muscles required for movement. Consequently, the accumulation of waste products from sprint fibers can trigger an increased respiratory rate, and compromised diaphragm function may further limit breathing efficiency.
What Can I Do to Feel Better?
To manage heart failure effectively, it is crucial to adhere to prescribed medications. Incorporating exercise into your routine can also significantly enhance your well-being. Regular physical activity can extend the duration that your muscles can sustain effort and expedite artery dilation, ultimately boosting your energy levels.
Start with a modest goal of five minutes of exercise, gradually increasing by five minutes each week until you reach 30 minutes per day after five weeks. It is important to maintain the ability to walk and talk simultaneously during exercise. Additionally, including strength training under the guidance of an exercise professional can further elevate your energy levels.
What Happens at Heart 2 Heart Cardiac Physiotherapy?
Heart 2 Heart Cardiac Physiotherapy provides supervised exercise training programs that integrate both aerobic and strength training exercises to optimize performance and alleviate fatigue. Research indicates that exercise training for individuals with heart failure can reduce hospital admissions and emergency department visits related to heart failure.
At Heart 2 Heart, we conduct individual assessments to determine your current ability level. From there, we collaborate with you to enhance your performance and increase your energy levels, ultimately improving your overall capacity to engage in daily activities. For more information, click here.