Understanding Heart Health

Your heart is a muscle, and like any muscle in the body, it benefits from regular use, proper conditioning, and recovery. Poor heart health can develop silently over time due to factors such as inactivity, high stress, poor nutrition, smoking, unmanaged medical conditions, and lack of sleep. The good news? Small, consistent changes can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and heart attack.

Common Risk Factors for Heart Attacks

Some risk factors are outside of our control—such as age, genetics, or family history—but many are modifiable. These include:

• Physical inactivity

• High blood pressure or cholesterol

• Smoking or vaping

• Chronic stress

• Excess body weight

• Poor sleep habits

• Unmanaged diabetes

Addressing even one or two of these areas can have a meaningful impact on your heart health.

The Role of Movement and Exercise

Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful tools for protecting your heart. Exercise helps:

• Strengthen the heart muscle

• Improve circulation

• Lower blood pressure

• Manage cholesterol levels

• Reduce stress

• Improve energy and endurance

You don’t need to train like an athlete to see benefits. Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, resistance training, or guided exercise programs can all support heart health when done consistently. As a physiotherapist, I emphasize safe, individualized movement—especially for those who are new to exercise, returning after injury, or managing chronic conditions.

Managing Stress and Recovery

Chronic stress places extra strain on your heart. Incorporating recovery strategies such as breathing exercises, mobility work, adequate sleep, and scheduled rest days is just as important as staying active. Your nervous system and cardiovascular system are closely connected—when one is overwhelmed, the other feels it.

Warning Signs to Pay Attention To

Heart attack symptoms don’t always look the same for everyone. Common signs include:

• Chest pain or pressure

• Shortness of breath

• Pain in the arm, jaw, neck, or back

• Dizziness or nausea

• Unusual fatigue

If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Early action can save lives.

How Physiotherapy Can Support Heart Health

Physiotherapy isn’t just for injury recovery—it plays a key role in prevention and long-term wellness. A physiotherapist can help you:

• Build a safe and effective exercise routine
  
• Improve cardiovascular endurance

• Address posture and breathing patterns

• Reduce pain that may limit activity

• Stay consistent with movement as you age

Whether your goal is injury prevention, improving fitness, or simply staying active for life, guided movement can be a powerful tool in protecting your heart.

Take the First Step

Heart health isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness and consistency. Moving more, managing stress, and taking proactive steps today can dramatically reduce your risk of a heart attack tomorrow.

If you’re unsure where to start or need support building a heart-healthy routine that fits your lifestyle, working with a physiotherapist can help guide you safely and confidently.

Your heart works hard for you every day—let’s return the favour.