If you have a heart condition, such as coronary artery disease (clogged arteries) or congestive heart failure, or if you've had a heart attack, you may think you should avoid being active. In fact, regular exercise should be a central part of dealing with your condition. It is important, however, to work closely with your doctor to determine how much and what kind of exercise you should get.

How Exercise Helps
If you don't exercise, you may be at risk for more heart problems, including heart attack. By getting regular, moderate exercise, you can help strengthen your heart. Exercise also can help increase your energy, lower your cholesterol level and blood pressure, reduce stress and improve your mood.

Getting Started
The first thing you should do before beginning to exercise is talk with your doctor. He or she may have you take a stress test to measure the strength of your heart during exercise. This helps your doctor know how much activity is safe for you. Your doctor can help you develop an exercise program that is right for you.

What type of exercise you choose to do is up to you and your doctor. Just be sure to start slowly. Aerobic exercises such as walking, cycling and swimming are ideal.

An Active Lifestyle
Look for other ways to increase your activity level. Gardening, yard work, housework and table tennis are all lower intensity activities that can help your heart.

Fitness Safety Tips Here are suggestions for a safe workout: Warm up with gentle stretches before you start. Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor has told you to limit your fluid intake). Don't do more than your doctor recommends. Don't exercise in hot or humid weather or right after a meal. Avoid exercises that cause you to hold your breath or strain or that require sudden bursts of energy, such as heavy weightlifting. Stop exercising and call your doctor right away if you notice chest pain, dizzy spells, very fast or irregular heartbeat, cold sweats, nausea and vomiting, or weakness, swelling or pain in your legs.