The short answer is: yes. It's just as important for those with a heart condition to exercise. In fact, leading a healthy, active lifestyle can prevent many heart complications later on.

To reduce your risk of heart and circulatory diseases, it is important to make physical activity part of your day-to-day life. Remember, every movement matters.

Whilst you may need to be careful with certain CVD conditions you should aim to take part in the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.

Some suitable physical activity suggestions for those living with a heart condition:

• Try to break periods of sitting as often as possible
• If you sit at a desk or screen all day, try some chair-based exercises
• Do some gardening or housework
• Walk part of your journey to work if you can
• When you go to the work or the shops, try parking at a further car parking space

For more ideas to get started, check out our Active by Age section, for hints and tips on how to move more for your age and ability.

When to avoid exercising with a heart condition:

As there are so many types of heart condition, there's no 'one size fits all' advice. You should always consult your GP about any lifestyle changes if you're unsure, but you should consider avoiding exercise if:

• You're feeling ill, discomfort or fatigued - stop and consider doing something a little more relaxing until you feel better. Don't force exercise if you're not feeling very well and be patient with yourself.
• You've recently undergone surgery or treatment - the hospital will likely recommend taking a break from physical activity so your body doesn't become fatigued. Be sure to listen to their advice.
• Anything hurts - a little discomfort can be natural as you start exercising. However, you should stop and seek professional advice if anything really hurts.
• Your GP or specialist has recommended it - You should always consult your GP or specialist LTC Healthcare Professional when taking on a new exercise regime. If your GP does recommend rest for a short time, be sure to follow this advice.

Being inactive can lead to fatty material building up in your arteries (the blood vessels that carry blood to your organs). If the arteries that carry blood to your heart get damaged and clogged, it can lead to a heart attack. If this happens in the arteries that carry blood to your brain it can lead to a stroke. The good news is physical activity can help. Being regularly physically active:

• Helps control your blood pressure and keep it within healthy levels
• Raises your levels of good cholesterol, and reduces the bad cholesterol
• Can help to control your blood glucose levels, reducing your risk of Type 2 diabetes
• Increases the number of calories you burn and helps you maintain a healthy weight
• Boosts your mood, improving your concentration and memory, and helping you sleep better