The heart is the most critical organ in the human body, yet sometimes, one does not care for it enough. A common outcome of poor lifestyle choices can be a leaky heart valve. The affected valve allows blood to leak backward with every heart beat. It is a prevalent health condition affecting around ten percent of the country’s population, which could be dangerous if not diagnosed and treated in time.

What is a leaky heart valve?
The heart pumps blood to different body organs, ensuring they receive oxygen and nutrients. Its four valves—aortic, tricuspid, mitral, and pulmonary—ensure blood flows only in one direction in the heart. Sometimes these valves do not close appropriately, and the blood leaks backward. The condition is called valve regurgitation or leaky heart valve.

Individuals diagnosed with the disorder may have to make specific lifestyle changes. One may even have to ask the doctor if they can exercise with a leaky heart valve or eat certain foods.

Symptoms of a leaky heart valve
Although the condition has no apparent symptoms, one may experience a few discomforts that indicate heart trouble:

• Shortness of breath when lying down
• Inflammation of the legs or fluid collection in any body part
• Excessive heartbeat
• High palpitations of the heart
• Fatigue

Signs like breathing difficulty and inflammation are more common in cases of congestive heart failure or when the forward flow of blood is affected. It is best to visit a doctor if one experiences such symptoms for an early diagnosis and treatment.

Leaky heart valve exercises
As mentioned, when diagnosed with this condition, people experience many symptoms, including shortness of breath and fatigue. As a result, they wonder whether they can exercise with a leaky heart valve. While physical activity can help manage the ailment, patients should choose the right exercises. Here are the best exercises for leaky heart valves:

Walking
Walking is one of the best options as it is a low-impact exercise that does not stress the heart. Those not used to walking may gradually incorporate the activity into their routine by taking their pet for a walk, walking to the mailbox of their home, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Swimming
Does swimming work as an exercise to help leaky heart valve patients? Yes, because it increases stamina and improves heart health. One can swim three to five times a week for the best results. However, individuals should discuss their condition with a trainer to determine the best swimming routine.

Yoga
Yoga is, by far, one of the most fruitful exercises for someone who has leaky valves. Since it involves controlled body movements and stretches, patients reap benefits like increased energy levels, improved heart strength, and better balance.

Cycling
Cycling has been proven to help control cholesterol levels, minimize blood pressure, and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. One can consult a doctor about developing a cycling exercise routine to improve leaky heart valves.

Strength training
It involves lifting weights under an expert’s supervision or performing sit-ups, pull-ups, or exercises with ropes. While strength training has many benefits for the heart, one must begin with a low difficulty level and gradually opt for heavy lifting.

Stretching
This low-impact exercise significantly improves flexibility. Experts always advise people to stretch their bodies before and after exercise to avoid injury.

Many exercises discussed here do not require equipment and can be performed at home. If confused, one can speak to a healthcare professional to determine the best activity for their condition.

Benefits of regular exercise with a leaky heart valve
Exercise is a form of treatment for most diseases, and a leaky heart valve is no exception. Here are a few benefits of exercising with this condition:

• Reduces the stress and pressure on the heart
• Improves heart health
• Increases stamina
• Boosts energy
• Helps one stay positive

Other available treatments for the condition
While exercise remains a safe option to treat or prevent leaky heart valves naturally, the condition requires surgery in severe cases. The doctor may perform a procedure to repair one or multiple heart valves to prevent the blood from flowing backward and aggravating the symptoms. Sometimes, the problematic valve is replaced with a healthy valve from a deceased human donor. Not undergoing surgery and ignoring the problem can lead to critical conditions like heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and high lung vessel blood pressure.

One should not ignore the leaky heart valve symptoms and consult a heart specialist to understand the best treatment options. Individuals should also ask the expert which exercises they can safely perform if diagnosed with such a condition. Sometimes, the doctor will suggest an exercise routine to treat the problem naturally. Besides using the recommended treatments and performing the exercises, patients should report to the doctor regularly to check their heart and monitor their progress.