Cardiovascular Disease

29% of all Australian deaths relate to underlying cardiovascular disease

Coronary heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease and peripheral arterial, vascular disease.

 

The problem

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a collective term for diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease and peripheral arterial or vascular disease. Many of the risk factors for CVD are preventable, lifestyle-related factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight or obese, smoking and inactivity. Blocked or narrow blood vessels increase the risk of cardiac events like heart attacks, angina or strokes.

It is estimated that almost 75% of people with CVD have another chronic health condition, and for half of those it’s two or more additional chronic conditions.

Why see an Exercise Physiologist?

Exercise has been shown to:

  • Reduce the risk of excessive blood clotting
  • Deliver blood to the heart and contractile muscles
  • Prevent further narrowing of blood vessels
  • Help maintain normal heart rhythm

While you may be on medications to limit symptoms and prevent further disease progression, exercise tailored and delivered by an Exercise Physiologist can have much the same effect. Exercise also positively affects other chronic conditions, meaning you may also experience improvements in pain, metabolism, blood sugar control, mood, strength, flexibility and quality of life. Exercise may be effective enough to reduce your medication requirements, this is not restricted to CVD medications, reduced reliance on medicines for depression and blood sugar control is also common.

We can help liaise with your doctor to ensure your medicines are kept at an optimal level for your changing health status.

What type of exercise in involved?

We’ll work with you to work out what sorts of exercise you actually enjoy, suit your current health status and are easy for you to do regularly but aerobic and resistance exercise will likely make up much of your exercise program. You will complete some exercise supervised here with us, but we’ll work toward being able to complete exercise at home to help you take back independent control of your health.

Whether you’re in a small group or one-on-one setting, everyone has an individually-tailored program, so don’t worry about ‘keeping up’ – we’ll ensure your program is right for you, every step of the way.

heart with arms and legs measuring blood pressure, isolated 3d illustration
happy senior couple sitting on fitness balls

Want to know more?

You can learn more about the MOH approach to cardiovascular disease in our blogs;

Want to book an appointment?

If you would like to book an appointment with one of our expert osteopaths, click here.

If you can’t find a time that’s convenient just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you.

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