We have moved! As of Monday 14 October 2024, Uplift Exercise Physiology is located at Unit 5/56 Industrial Drive Mayfield NSW 2304. The new clinic is more than twice the size of our former clinic, has multiple rooms, more and newer equipment, increased privacy, and significantly improved amenities. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new and improved space. Note: there is heaps of parking on Industrial Drive, or Accessible Parking via George Street. Team Uplift!

We are moving! The final day of services at Uplift’s current clinic will be 11 October 2024. From Monday 14 October, Uplift will relocate to Unit 5/56 Industrial Drive Mayfield NSW 2304. The new clinic is more than twice the size, has multiple rooms, more and newer equipment, increased privacy, and significantly improved amenities. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new and improved space. Team Uplift!

Exercise and Heart Health: A Lifesaving Combination

Exercise and Heart Health

World Heart Day

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally. The good news? One of the most powerful tools to prevent, manage, and improve heart disease is freely available to everyone: exercise. 

From reducing blood pressure and cholesterol to boosting mood and overall wellbeing, regular physical activity is a cornerstone of heart health. And with the support of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, this powerful tool can be tailored safely and effectively to meet each person’s unique needs.

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Exercise as Prevention and Protection

Exercise is not just a response to heart disease—it’s a preventive force. Engaging in regular physical activity reduces many of the major risk factors for CVD, including:

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • Obesity

  • Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

  • Sedentary behaviour

A recent systematic review found that exercise positively influences cardiovascular risk factors regardless of the time of day, reinforcing the message that when you move matters less than that you move (Sevilla-Lorente et al., 2023).

Exercise as a Treatment and Disease Modifier

For those already living with CVD or heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, or arrhythmias, exercise is not only safe but clinically beneficial. According to Valenzuela et al. (2023), exercise contributes to a wide range of positive outcomes, including:

  • Improved endothelial function (how well blood vessels dilate)

  • Enhanced heart efficiency

  • Reduced systemic inflammation

  • Improved cholesterol profiles

  • Reduced hospital admissions and mortality

In fact, the benefits of exercise rival some medications in preventing secondary cardiovascular events and improving longevity. Importantly, exercise intensity matters. A meta-analysis by Goncalves et al. (2021) found that moderate to vigorous intensity exercise is particularly effective for improving functional capacity and reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with CVD—provided it is prescribed appropriately.

 

Exercise for Wellbeing and Quality of Life

Beyond physical health, regular exercise is proven to:

  • Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression

  • Improve sleep and energy levels

  • Enhance confidence in daily activities

  • Rebuild social connections through group exercise

These psychological and social benefits are especially critical for people navigating the emotional challenges of a chronic heart condition.

Why Choose an Exercise Physiologist?

Cardiac health is complex—and so is exercising with a heart condition. That’s where Accredited
Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) come in. 
AEPs are university-qualified allied health professionals specialising in the use of clinical exercise for chronic disease management, including CVD. They are trained to:

  • Assess your current cardiovascular and physical health

  • Design individualised and evidence-based exercise programs

  • Monitor your response to exercise and adjust safely over time

  • Work in collaboration with your cardiologist, GP, or rehabilitation team

As the CSANZ Position Statement highlights, exercise professionals like AEPs play a critical role in cardiac rehabilitation and long-term secondary prevention (Verdicchio et al., 2023). Whether you are newly diagnosed, recovering from a cardiac event, or looking to stay ahead of risk factors, an Exercise Physiologist can help you take control of your heart health safely and confidently.

Take the First Step Today

The science is clear: exercise saves lives. Whether you’re managing high blood pressure, recovering from surgery, or simply wanting to stay heart-healthy, regular physical activity—guided by an Exercise Physiologist—can dramatically improve your health, wellbeing, and longevity.

References 

Goncalves, C., Raimundo, A., Abreu, A., & Bravo, J. (2021). Exercise intensity in patients with cardiovascular diseases: Systematic review with meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(7), 3574. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073574

Sevilla-Lorente, R., Carneiro-Barrera, A., Molina-Garcia, P., Ruiz, J. R., & Amaro-Gahete, F. J. (2023). Time of the day of exercise impact on cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 26(3), 169–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2022.10.010

Valenzuela, P. L., Ruilope, L. M., Santos-Lozano, A., Wilhelm, M., Kränkel, N., Fiuza-Luces, C., & Lucia, A. (2023). Exercise benefits in cardiovascular diseases: From mechanisms to clinical implementation. European Heart
Journal, 44
(21), 1874–1889. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehad040

Verdicchio, C., Freene, N., Hollings, M., Maiorana, A., Briffa, T., Gallagher, R., … & Redfern, J. (2023). A clinical guide for assessment and prescription of exercise and physical activity in cardiac rehabilitation: A CSANZ position statement. Heart, Lung and Circulation, 32(9), 1035–1048. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hlc.2023.06.002

Written By Uplift EP, William Nieuwenhuise

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