Exercise for a Healthier Heart

If you've been diagnosed with a heart condition, your healthcare provider may advise exercise to help stabilize your condition. Follow these tips to get started.

Exercising Safely

If you feel safe and comfortable while exercising, you are more likely to stick with your exercise program.

Creating an Exercise Program

An exercise program includes more than just your daily activity. Be sure to warm up before you start and cool down when you're done.

Low-Salt Choices

Here are some ideas for low-salt foods you can easily prepare yourself.

How to Judge Serving Sizes

Some foods are weighed in ounces. Some are measured in spoons or cups. Others, like fruits, are based on an average, or medium, size. Here are some serving sizes and tips to help you judge what 1 serving looks like.

Reading Food Labels

Comparing labels will help you choose foods that are low in fat, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and calories.

Healthy Tips for Eating Out

You don't have to give up eating out to cut down on fat, cholesterol, and salt. You just need to think about what you order. Many menus highlight low-fat and low-sodium dishes. But if you can't find what you want, ask.

Sample Menus for Eating Out

On any menu, some choices will be better for you than others. Check off some of the healthy choices listed here. Keep them in mind the next time you go out to eat.

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a test that allows your healthcare provider to record images of your heart from inside your esophagus, or food pipe.

Stress Echocardiography (Echo)

A sress echocardiogram, or stress echo, is a test that records images of your heart before and after exercise. Here's what you can expect before, during, and after the test.