Yoga for heart patients - #11894
I am really worried about my dad. He had a heart attack last year and his recovery has been super slow. The doctors mentioned Yoga for heart patients during the last check-up, but honestly, I don't know much about it. How can Yoga for heart patients really help? He has been really down and just sits around all day; we try to get him to walk but he complains about being tired. Last week, I found some videos online about Yoga for heart patients and thought it might be a good way to get him moving again, plus it could help with his stress. But I'm unsure if it's safe, I mean, can a heart patient really do yoga without risks? He sometimes has shortness of breath and I'm worried about pushing him too far. Are there specific poses or types of Yoga for heart patients that are better, or should I wait until the next appointment to ask the doctor? I just want to make sure we’re doing the right thing for his health, ya know? He used to love being active and I feel like Yoga for heart patients might bring some joy back to his life, but I just don’t want to make things worse! What do you all think?
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Doctors’ responses
Yoga can indeed be beneficial for heart patients, but it’s essential to approach it with care, especially after a recent heart event like your dad’s heart attack. Yoga can help improve flexibility, increase physical activity in a gentle way, and lower stress levels, which are all beneficial for heart health. However, the key is to start slow and ensure that the type of yoga and the poses are appropriate for someone with his medical history. Given your dad’s current condition, including shortness of breath and fatigue, it’s crucial to opt for a gentle, low-intensity form of yoga generally referred to as “restorative yoga” or practices focusing on breathing exercises (pranayama) and simple poses like “Savasana” or “Balasana” which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
It’s important to avoid any intense or vigorous forms of yoga, such as power yoga or hot yoga, which could place undue strain on his heart. Also, before starting, it’s a good idea for him to work with a yoga instructor experienced with heart patients, and better yet, seek approval from his cardiologist to ensure safety. This customized guidance can help ensure that his yoga practice honors his current physical state. Until you can speak with his healthcare provider, focus on encouraging gentle walks and using deep breathing exercises to manage stress. These can be safe interim steps that help support his mood and energy levels. If there’s ever any doubt or if he experiences more severe symptoms, reaching out to his healthcare team promptly is always the best course of action.
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