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| - Last Updated on October 15, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims that simple exercises can cure heart failure at home. We did the fact check and found out it’s False.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, you can cure heart failure in winters by simple exercises at home.
Fact Check
Can exercises alone cure heart failure?
No, simple exercises cannot cure heart failure. Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition where the heart does not pump blood as effectively as it should. Exercise can help improve heart health, manage symptoms, and even prevent heart problems, but it is not a cure. Treatment usually involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. Regular physical activity can support heart function and enhance quality of life. However, it must be done under medical supervision, especially for those with heart issues. Ignoring proper treatment could lead to severe complications. Some also promote drinking kishmish water to prevent heart attacks, but this is not a sure shot method for prevention.
We connected with Dr Subhaargh Kumar, Consultant Cardiologist, The Five Elements Medical Centre, Gurugram, for his expert opinion on using exercise to cure heart failure at home. He states, “No, exercise alone cannot cure heart failure. Regular physical activity can strengthen the heart and improve circulation, but it isn’t enough on its own. Managing heart failure effectively usually involves a mix of medication, lifestyle changes, and medical supervision. Patients should talk to their doctors to create a personalised care plan.”
How does exercise impact heart failure?
Exercise benefits heart failure patients but does not reverse the condition. For those diagnosed with heart failure, supervised exercise programmes improve endurance, reduce symptoms, and enhance overall well-being. Healthcare professionals often recommend cardiac rehabilitation, which combines monitored exercise, education, and lifestyle counselling. They design these programmes carefully, assessing individual capacities and risks. Random, unsupervised exercises could be harmful, especially for those with advanced or unstable heart conditions. Additionally, there are social media claims which suggest eating green chillies can cure heart attacks. However, this is false.
We reached out to Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, for sharing her insights on the impact of exercise on heart failure. She says, “Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart can’t pump blood effectively, requiring lifelong care through medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery. While treatments can manage symptoms, there’s no cure. Exercise can help improve heart function and quality of life for those with stable heart failure, but it should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medication, diet, and regular check-ups. Supervised exercise, like cardiac rehabilitation, is often recommended, but unsupervised or excessive activity can be harmful. Cold weather doesn’t cure heart failure and may even worsen symptoms. Misleading claims suggesting that exercise alone can cure heart failure can delay proper medical care, so it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any exercise regimen.”
Are there risks in exercising without medical advice for heart failure?
Yes, exercising without proper guidance can be dangerous for heart failure patients. The type, intensity, and duration of exercises need to be customised based on the patient’s condition. Sudden or intense physical activity might strain the heart, increase blood pressure, or even lead to life-threatening events. Heart failure patients may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitations. Pushing through these signs without understanding their implications could worsen the condition.
In addition to exercise, alternative therapies like using a tennis ball for pain relief can play a role in overall wellness. If you’re curious about different pain management techniques, check out how rolling a tennis ball can help with discomfort.
Why is it important to have a medical treatment plan for heart failure?
A comprehensive treatment plan is essential because heart failure affects multiple body systems. Managing heart failure generally involves medications to reduce fluid build-up, lower blood pressure, and improve heart function. Lifestyle adjustments like reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and monitoring fluid levels are also essential. These strategies work together to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Over-reliance on non-medical interventions, such as unsupervised exercise, might cause patients to neglect the critical elements of care which can likely worsen their health outcomes. We have also encountered claims suggesting that kitchen ingredients can unclog the heart at home, but once again, this is a false claim.
THIP Media Take
The claim that simple exercises can cure heart failure at home is false. While exercise is beneficial as part of a treatment plan, it is not a cure. Heart failure requires a multifaceted approach, including medication, lifestyle changes, and regular medical check-ups. Patients should always consult healthcare professionals before starting or modifying any exercise routine.
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