Endurance training – what needs to be considered
During endurance training it is important to carry out an individual analysis of the performance of each patient, as the heart must not be overloaded. A first classification is made based on the NYHA classification, but above all the individual maximum achievable oxygen uptake (VO2peak) plays a central role. Currently there are two main approaches that describe the regulations for endurance training.
The gold standard so far is moderate continuous endurance training (MCT), whereby patients train constantly at 65-70% of their maximum capacity. The newer model is interval training, in which patients approach their maximum load limits in short intervals. In both methods, the heart rate plays a decisive role and must be constantly monitored during training. So when choosing endurance training, care must also be taken to choose sports that allow for moderate training. These include walking, jogging, swimming and cycling.
Treatment/Therapy
A heart muscle weakness is primarily treated with medication. The most important of these drugs are: Beta-blockers, which slow down and strengthen the heartbeat, thus relieving the pressure on the vessels. ACE inhibitors prevent the blood vessels from constricting by blocking a certain enzyme, so that the heart does not have to pump against a high pressure Sartane is an alternative to ACE inhibitors if they are not well tolerated.
Diuretics, are dehydrating agents that are mainly used in patients who are prone to water retention due to heart failure. Cardiac glycosides Cardiac glycosides strengthen and slow down the heartbeat and thus relieve the pressure from the blood vessels so that there is no blood congestion. The drug therapy is supplemented by physiotherapy, psychotherapy, relaxation exercises, nutritional advice and heart groups. More severe forms of heart muscle weakness may require surgery.
- Beta-blockers, which slow down and strengthen the heartbeat so that the vessels are relieved.
- ACE inhibitors, prevent the narrowing of blood vessels by blocking a certain enzyme, so that the heart does not have to pump against a high pressure
- Sartanes are an alternative to ACE inhibitors if they are not well tolerated.
- Diuretics, are dehydrating agents that are mainly used in patients who are prone to water retention due to heart failure.
- Cardiac glycosides Cardiac glycosides strengthen and slow down the heartbeat, thereby taking the pressure off the blood vessels and preventing blood backflow.
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