7/1/2007 - Weightlifting safe, beneficial for many people with heart problems Lifting weights and performing other types of resistance exercise is no longer off limits to all people with heart problems, according to a scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA). The statement, which revises past guidelines, notes that some people recovering from a cardiac event should be able to participate when resistance exercise is performed at an appropriate level. "Just as we once learned that people with heart disease benefited from aerobic exercise, we are now learning that guided, moderate weight training also has significant benefits," said Mark Williams, Ph.D., chairman of the group that wrote the new statement. Health benefits of resistance training are significant, including increased strength and muscular coordination, more muscle mass, and higher bone density in men and women of all ages. Resistance exercise has the potential to improve and sustain an improved quality of life in people with heart trouble. For example, an increase in muscle mass makes it easier to burn calories, which can help control weight. It can also help people remain independent and keep doing the things they enjoy. However, resistance training isn't recommended for people who have some conditions, such as unstable heart disease, decompensated heart failure, uncontrolled arrhythmias and Marfan's syndrome. How to get started Recommendations for resistance training focus on performing lifts rhythmically, balancing upper and lower body exercises, and establishing a proper breathing pattern. "The emphasis at the early stage of training is to allow time for the muscles to adapt and to practice good technique," Dr. Williams said. This gradual approach makes excessive muscle soreness and injury less likely, he added. In the past, low limits were set for the amount of weight people with cardiovascular disease could lift. That’s still appropriate during recovery from a cardiac event or procedure, Dr. Williams said. However, "when prescribed appropriately, patients can often do more to train safely and benefit significantly." People who have heart problems should consult a health care professional for help planning a safe exercise program. The statement, titled Resistance Exercise in Individuals With and Without Cardiovascular Disease, appears in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Back