September 29th is World Heart Day. Learn more about heart disease and what you can do to prevent it from affecting you.

Heart disease is a general term that encompasses a wide variety of diseases, disorders and condition affecting the heart and blood vessels. Heart disease is a serious condition since it may cause damage to the vessels responsible for supplying oxygen to the heart. It may also impair the functioning or structure of the hearts.

One common form of heart disease is cardiac arrhythmia. Arrhythmias may be caused by many different factors, including:

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Electrolyte imbalances in the blood
  • Changes in your heart muscles
  • Injury from a heart attack
  • Healing process after heart surgery
  • Irregular heart rhythms can also occur in normal and healthy hearts.

Atrial Fibrillation, simply known as AFib to many, is the most common type of arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm. AFib happens when the upper chambers of the heart or atria, beat in a disorganized manner, reducing the atria’s ability to pump blood into the ventricles. The heart also tends to beat too rapidly in such instances.

AFib can go undetected for an extended period of time since they oftentimes cause no symptoms at all. During instances where symptoms do materialize, you may experience:

  • Palpitations (skipped heart beats, fluttering or “flip-flops”)
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Fainting
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or discomfort

Regular exercise is ideal for those suffering from atrial fibrillation in order to strengthen the heart muscle and improve overall well-being. Exercising regularly also has positive effects in eliminating key factors leading to heart disease (high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes and obesity).

It is important to follow a well-designed program for the long haul in order to maximize the benefits of exercise.

A kinesiologist or trained fitness professional, such as the staff at the Wellness Centre, will guide you in the choice of an exercise program that is ideal for you and your heart. Come and see us!