Exercise is universally praised as one of the best ways to maintain a healthy heart. Regular physical activity strengthens your cardiovascular system, reduces the risk of heart disease, and promotes overall well-being. However, as with most things, moderation and awareness are key. Too much exercise or certain underlying conditions can sometimes pose risks to the heart.
In this blog, we’ll explore the good and the potential risks of exercise on heart health, and why having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) available in fitness centres and sporting events can be life-saving.
The Good: How Exercise Benefits the Heart
Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to protect your heart. Here’s why:
- Strengthens the Heart Muscle
- Aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling improve your heart’s efficiency, enabling it to pump blood more effectively.
- Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
- Exercise helps lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, and improve blood flow, reducing the likelihood of coronary artery disease.
- Supports Weight Management
- Physical activity helps regulate body weight, reducing strain on the heart and lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, a major contributor to heart problems.
- Improves Mental Health
- The heart benefits indirectly from the stress-reducing effects of exercise, as chronic stress and anxiety can negatively impact cardiovascular health.
The Bad: When Exercise May Strain the Heart
While exercise is beneficial, certain scenarios may increase heart risks:
- Overtraining Syndrome
- Pushing your body too hard without proper recovery can lead to chronic fatigue, irregular heart rhythms, and even heart inflammation.
- Underlying Heart Conditions
- People with undiagnosed heart problems, such as arrhythmias or cardiomyopathy, may experience complications during intense physical activity.
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Athletes
- Though rare, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can occur during exercise, often triggered by conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or coronary artery anomalies.
- Age and Sedentary Lifestyle
- For individuals who have been sedentary for a long time, jumping straight into high-intensity exercise without preparation can strain the heart.
The Critical Role of AEDs in Exercise Settings
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are essential in environments where people exercise. Here’s why they are a must-have:
- Rapid Response to Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- SCA can strike without warning, even in seemingly healthy individuals. AEDs can restore the heart’s rhythm within minutes, greatly improving survival rates.
- Easy to Use
- Modern AEDs provide clear, step-by-step instructions, enabling bystanders to act quickly and confidently in an emergency.
- Increases Survival Rates
- Research shows that using an AED within 3–5 minutes of collapse can increase survival rates by over 70%.
To ensure your gym, sports club, or workplace is prepared, explore Defib Supplies’ AED options for high-quality, reliable defibrillators.
How to Stay Safe During Exercise
Here are practical steps to maximise the benefits of exercise while minimising risks:
- Start Slowly
- If you’re new to exercise, begin with moderate activities and gradually increase intensity.
- Listen to Your Body
- Pay attention to signs like dizziness, chest pain, or unusual shortness of breath, and stop exercising if they occur.
- Get Regular Check-Ups
- Consult your GP for a health check, particularly if you have a family history of heart conditions.
- Train Staff on AED Use
Why Every Exercise Facility Needs an AED
Whether it’s a gym, a swimming pool, or a local football club, having an AED on-site can save lives. Sudden cardiac arrest doesn’t discriminate—it can happen to anyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
Registering your AED with a public database like The Circuit ensures emergency services can direct responders to the nearest device when needed.
Empower Your Heart and Your Community
Exercise remains one of the best things you can do for your heart, but it’s essential to approach it with care. By understanding the risks and being prepared with tools like AEDs, we can create safer environments for everyone.
Ready to equip your facility with life-saving technology? Browse our range of AEDs and accessories at Defib Supplies to ensure you’re always prepared.
