How Does Heavy Exercise Affect My Risk Of Developing An Abnormal Heart Rhythm?

— -- Question: How does heavy exercise affect my risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm?

Answer :The effects of exercise on arrhythmia depend on how often and how heavy the exercise is. When we exercise on a regular basis, over time it tends to strengthen the heart muscle, calm the internal nervous system, resulting in a generally slower heartbeat, and increases and promotes heart health, lowers the risk of stress, results in increase in the good cholesterol, lowers blood pressure -- there's a number of healthful effects.

On the other hand, for someone who doesn't exercise on a regular basis, to abruptly undertake heavy exercise puts a big stress on the system and is not helpful. In that setting, it may increase the risk of having a heart rhythm problem. In people who have pre-existing heart rhythm abnormalities or people with heart disease, abrupt, intense bursts of exercise are generally not healthful, whereas moderate exercise is healthful.

In general, if you have high blood pressure or diabetes risk factors for heart attack, it's a good idea to visit with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. If you're young and generally active, you should continue your activity. A good exercise program is one in which you would warm up for five minutes, undergo moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes and then cool down for five to 10 minutes and, ideally, do this at least five days per week.