Exercise Tips

Because the symptoms and severity of each PAH patient is unique, exercise recommendations are different for each person. Many PAH specialists think that some form of exercise is not likely to be harmful, and may be helpful for patients. Be sure and talk to your doctor to determine the types of exercise that might be right for you, or whether you would benefit from cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.

A few general rules about exercise for PAH patients:¹⁵

• Before beginning any exercise program, patients should speak to their doctor.
• A person with PAH should never over-exercise to the point where symptoms such as shortness of breath, light headedness or chest pain develop.
• Light resistance training (light weight lifting) and light to moderate aerobic activities, such as walking or swimming, may be recommended for people with PAH, but talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
• People with PAH should not exercise upper and lower limbs at the same time (such as with a NordicTrack^® machine).
• Patients with severe limitation of activity and/or a history of dizziness and/or fainting during exercise should not participate in any regular exercise program.
• Outdoor exercise during hot, humid or very cold weather should be avoided.

A clinic or hospital-based exercise facility may be a good place to start a regular exercise program. Ask your PAH specialist what type of exercise may be right for you.

[Source: *Consensus Statement
Issued by the Scientific Leadership Council]