Exercise Physiologists are equipped with the knowledge to treat individuals with numerous cardiovascular conditions. An Exercise Physiologist will assess your cardiovascular capacity and risk factors to design a specific program for your condition. Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions that involve narrowing of the blood vessels that can lead to;
- Coronary Heart Disease – accounts for one in four of all deaths in Australia and an estimated 60% of coronary events could be prevented with a healthy lifestyle
- Heart Attack
- Chest Pain
- Angina
- Stroke
Exercises that you will be prescribed will include aerobic exercise and strength training. An Exercise Physiologist will monitor multiple things such as your heart rate, blood pressure and signs and symptoms to ensure exercise intensity is safe and effective.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include; age, family history, smoking, physical inactivity, overweight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Regular exercise reduces cardiovascular disease and reduces the risk factors; weight, cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes as well as improved strength and function of the heart.
BENEFITS OF AN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST:
- Perform risk stratification, prescribe appropriate exercise progression and monitor response to maximise the safety of exercise. As well as teach you how to monitor signs and symptoms and exercise at the correct intensity.
- Empower you to return to your activities, return to work, regain physical abilities and gain the confidence to perform activities.
- Regular exercise training improves heart function and decreases the risk of future myocardial infarctions (heart attack).
- Regular exercises improve physical capacity
- Exercise training can recondition individuals to return to daily activities following a cardiac event and post-surgical intervention (E.g; angioplasty, bypass or stent) with a gradually progressing exercise program.
FACTS ABOUT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES:
- Cardiovascular diseases are the number 1 cause of death globally.
- It is estimated that these diseases account for 31% of all global deaths.
- Cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing behavioural factors which include tobacco use, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, unhealthy diet and the use of alcohol.
- 60% of all primary coronary events could be prevented with a healthy lifestyle
- If people who have cardiovascular disease or are at high risk of the disease receive help with early detections and management counselling, this will help for future quality of life.
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