Cardiovascular diseases cover a range of serious diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels that can have life-threatening consequences. Being the leading cause of death in Australia at 27%, around 1.2 million Australians are living with a cardiovascular disease (source Department of Health and Aged Care).
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing or worsening cardiovascular disease – and an Exercise Physiologist may be able to help.
Here, we’ll explore how an Exercise Physiologist can help with cardiovascular disease, including those living with, or at risk of cardiovascular disease.
How An Exercise Physiologist Can Help With Cardiovascular Disease.
What Is an Exercise Physiologist?
An Exercise Physiologist is a healthcare professional who specialises in helping people develop safe and effective exercise programs tailored to their specific needs.
Exercise Physiologists have a deep understanding of how the body functions during physical activity, and they are experts in designing effective programs for individuals with chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease.
Exercise Physiologists work closely with patients to create individualised plans that incorporate lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, diet modifications, weight management strategies, and stress reduction techniques.
By assessing each patient’s individual needs, Exercise Physiologists create programs that maximise the benefits of physical activity while minimising any potential risks.
Benefits of Working with an Exercise Physiologist
The biggest benefit of working with an Exercise Physiologist is the increased safety provided by having someone knowledgeable and professionally trained and accredited monitoring your progress.
This can provide peace of mind for those who may be worried about developing complications due to their condition or engaging in activities that could put them at risk.
All Accredited Exercise Physiologists in Australia have undergone extensive education and training, including University degrees and even Master’s degrees, and must maintain up-to-date knowledge with yearly courses and memberships, so you can be sure their knowledge is extensive and accurate.
As well as providing safety measures, working with an Exercise Physiologist can also help you take control over your health by providing resources and guidance on how to make healthy lifestyle changes, empowering patients to make positive changes in their day-to-day lives that will decrease their risk of developing complications due to cardiovascular disease.
Can Exercise Help With Cardiovascular Disease?
Exercise can be a great addition to your daily routine if you’re trying to reduce risks associated with cardiovascular disease.
It may seem daunting at first, but any activity that gets your heart rate up for at least 10 minutes per session is considered exercise.
This includes simple activities, like walking around the block or doing chores around the house. By adding this moderate-level exercise into your routine, studies have shown a positive effect on cholesterol levels and overall cardiac health.
With consistent and low-impact physical activity, it’s possible to lower risk factors for cardiovascular disease more than simply adding medication alone.
Studies show that regular physical activity can help lower your blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol levels, and increase good cholesterol levels.
An active lifestyle – including a variety of aerobic activities and strength training – also reduces inflammation throughout your body, leading to better heart health.
All of these health benefits can help take the strain off the heart, making it easier to cope with existing cardiovascular problems, and lower your risk of developing a cardiovascular disease in the future. No matter your age or fitness level, everyone can benefit from increased physical activity.
Your Exercise Physiologist can tailor an exercise routine that fits in with your lifestyle and your current health condition. They will ensure you have a great foundation to build on and keep you safe throughout the process.
SSEP Can Help You Manage Cardiovascular Disease
In summary, working with an exercise physiologist can be beneficial for those living with or at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. An experienced Exercise Physiologist can provide much-needed guidance on lifestyle modifications and help individuals take control back over their health by providing individualised programs related to cardiovascular health.
At Sydney Sports and Exercise Physiology, our Exercise Physiologists are experts at managing and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists will work with you to provide a personalised program based on your assessment.
If you or someone you know is looking for extra support managing a chronic condition like cardiovascular disease, consulting with one of our Accredited Exercise Physiologists may be just the right choice!