While having HCM may make you hesitant about exercise, staying active is actually important for your heart health. The key is finding the right activity level. Start with mild to moderate activities like walking and biking to build endurance gradually.
Before starting any exercise program
- Get approval from your Show Full Answer
While having HCM may make you hesitant about exercise, staying active is actually important for your heart health. The key is finding the right activity level. Start with mild to moderate activities like walking and biking to build endurance gradually.
Before starting any exercise program:
- Get approval from your cardiologist
- Have them determine your safe exercise intensity level
- Consider starting with supervised exercise through cardiac rehab
- Get a stress test to establish your baseline capacity Safety tips for exercising with HCM:
- Always warm up gradually
- Start with shorter workouts and slowly increase duration
- Maintain consistent movement rather than intense bursts
- Avoid rapid position changes
- Cool down properly after exercise
- Exercise with a partner or in places with other people
- Stop immediately if you experience shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain
Choose facilities with defibrillators and trained staff for added safety. Avoid exercising in extreme temperatures, especially cold and windy conditions.
July 27, 2025