Nordic Walking helps heart patients

Nordic walking useful in heart failure

07/02/2012

A good and gentle sport for heart patients is the Nordic Walking, as the Federal Association of established cardiologists explained. According to cardiologists, one study found that physical fitness increased more during Nordic walking than hiking without poles.

Nordic Walking is a good sport to train the stamina and resilience of heart disease. A regularly performed training has a particularly effective effect on patients with heart failure (heart failure), as a spokesman for the Association of Established Cardiologists in Munich reported. Compared to walking without sticks was an advantage, „that not only the legs but also the muscles of the upper body and the arms are used thanks to the use of the pole“, explained Dr. Norbert Smetak, Federal Chairman of the Association of Cardiologists.

Recently, at the medical convention of the „Heart Failure Association“ presented a study in Belgrade, which showed that patients with cardiac insufficiency through continuous training can increase the maximum heart rate and showed positive effects in the course of the study of systolic blood pressure as well as in the absorption of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide. The results were better than training without sticks, said the cardiologist. In addition, the risk of circulatory disorders and cardiac arrhythmia was significantly lower when Nordic walking „was carried out reasonably“. Even though the subjects only achieved a slow speed, they still managed to get an effective workout.

Before cardiac patients newly start Nordic walking, a detailed examination should be made with a specialist in cardiology. The physicians can use measurement data to create an individual training plan, which is then tailored to the respective heart disease. (Sb)

Image: Thomas Kunz (Saxony)