Spring into Action: Protect Your Heart After a Sedentary Season
As the weather warms up, people are starting to enjoy outdoor activities after a long winter spent mostly indoors. However, it’s important to protect your heart during these activities. Dr. Gosia Wamil, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic Health Care in London, offers five tips to keep your heart healthy.
1. Ease into Physical Activity Gradually
After a long period of reduced activity, it’s important not to jump straight into strenuous tasks. Start with light activities like walking or gentle stretching and gradually build up intensity. This helps reduce the risk of injury or sudden cardiac stress.
2. Warm Up and Cool Down
Whether you’re gardening or going for a hike, taking five to 10 minutes to warm up prepares your muscles and heart for the activity ahead. A proper cooldown helps your body return to baseline and prevents dizziness or blood pressure drops.
3. Listen to Your Body
If you feel chest discomfort, unusual shortness of breath, dizziness, or palpitations, stop immediately and seek medical attention. These symptoms could signal a heart problem, especially in people who haven’t been active for a while.
4. Stay Hydrated and Dress Appropriately
Dehydration and overheating can put extra strain on the heart, especially in older adults. Wear layers you can remove as you warm up and drink water regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty.
5. Consult Your Doctor
If you have known heart disease or risk factors, talk to your doctor before starting a new physical-demanding activity. A tailored plan can keep you safe and active.
Citation
Springing into action after a sedentary season? Here’s how to protect your heart (2025, May 2)
retrieved 3 May 2025
from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-action-sedentary-season-heart.html
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