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how to increase heart pumping
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #15020
45 days ago
88

how to increase heart pumping - #15020

Muhammad

I am kind of freaking out here. Lately, I’ve been feeling super sluggish, like my heart is just not, you know, pumping like it should. I ran a small charity 5K last month, and instead of feeling that rush, I was completely wiped out afterward. I talked to my doc, and he suggested that maybe I need to learn how to increase heart pumping or something. I wasn’t really sure what that meant. I mean, I do some cardio a couple of times a week, but maybe it’s not enough? I’ve even tried mixing in some HIIT workouts, but I still feel that weird heaviness in my chest when I push myself too hard. Also, I noticed I get winded really fast if I try to play soccer with my kids. It’s kinda embarrassing! Have any of you guys been in a similar boat and figured out how to increase heart pumping? What helped you? Could it be my diet too? Someone said proper hydration matters, but does that really impact how to increase heart pumping? I just don’t want to feel like this anymore, and, I dunno, maybe I’m stressing too much over it. Any tips or experiences about any exercises or lifestyle changes that really worked for you would be awesome!

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Doctors’ responses

Feeling sluggish and easily fatigued during activities like running or playing soccer can be concerning, especially when you’re used to a bit more stamina. To help increase your heart’s pumping efficiency, we should consider several factors. First, the regularity and intensity of your cardio workouts matter. While cardio exercise, like jogging or cycling, is beneficial, too much intensity too soon could be counterproductive, especially if it’s causing discomfort or “heaviness” in your chest. Gradually increasing your endurance through moderate exercises like brisk walking or light cycling several times a week may gently boost cardiovascular strength without overexertion. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) can be helpful, but it’s crucial to build towards it slowly to prevent overexerting your heart. Now, let’s touch on diet. While exercise is key, a heart-healthy diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables is crucial. Limiting processed sugars and excess salts can favorably influence heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish can also support cardiovascular function. Hydration indeed plays a role in heart health. Proper hydration helps in maintaining normal blood pressure and facilitates effective muscle function. Dehydration might lead to feeling tired or experiencing increased heart rate during exertion which can make you feel even more drained. Consider keeping hydrated with sufficient water intake throughout the day. Stress and anxiety can also affect how your heart feels; practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation or yoga could help. Given your symptoms, it might also be wise to follow up on these with your doctor, especially the heaviness in your chest and fatigue. Those symptoms might require further evaluation to rule out any underlying heart condition. It’s always better to be on the safe side when it comes to heart health.

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