Yoga and Exercise for Heart Failure

Gentle, regular activity is safe and helpful for most people with stable heart failure. It improves stamina, mood and quality of life. Always get your cardiologist's clearance first.

When not to exercise

Do not exercise if you have sudden weight gain, more swelling, worsening breathlessness, chest pain, dizziness, a fast or irregular heartbeat, fever or a recent medicine change. Call 112 or 102 for severe breathlessness at rest or chest pain.

Supervised cardiac rehabilitation

The best start is a supervised programme, where activity is built up safely.

Activity that may be suitable

• Walking: start with a few minutes on flat ground and add a little each week.
• Light stretching and chair exercises
• Gentle yoga postures done slowly and seated or lying, avoiding strain
• Slow, relaxed breathing, such as breathing in for 4 and out for 6
• Relaxation and meditation for stress

The talk test

You should be able to talk while exercising. If you cannot, slow down.

What to avoid

• Heavy lifting, straining and breath-holding
• Forceful breathing techniques such as kapalabhati and bhastrika
• Deep inversions, hot yoga and exercise in extreme heat or cold
• Exercise straight after a heavy meal

Stop and rest if

You feel dizzy, very breathless, have chest pain or palpitations. Call for help if symptoms do not settle quickly.

Key point

Start low, go slow and keep going. Regular gentle activity is part of treatment.

Before your appointment

Bring your list of medicines and supplements, recent test reports such as echocardiogram, ECG and kidney tests, and your daily weight and blood pressure log. Note any breathlessness, swelling, night-time symptoms or reduced activity, and how much salt and fluid you take. Ask about warning signs and when to call 112 or 102.