Aqua aerobic and cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for diseases of the heart and the blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease includes high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, congestive heart fialure, rheumatic heart disease, and congenital defects. Some of these diseases affect the blood vessels whereas other affect the heart itself. 

Cardiovascular diseases are a result of both genetic and environmental factors. Lifestyle habits (low fat, high fiber diet and exercise) along with medications play a major role in terms of treatment and prevention. In addition, lifestyle changes can help maintain optimal cardiovascular function following cardiac rehabilitation. 

Benefits of exercise

Lack of physical activity is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. The benefits of regular exercise in the treatment and prevention of CVD are well documented in research. Exercise related benefits that reduce risk or aid in treatment of CVD include the following:

• Regular aerobic exercise can reduce blood pressure if hypertensive.
• Regular aerobic exercise can help raise HDL and lower LDL and is especially important for those with high triglyceride or low HDL levels who are overweight with a large waist measurement (central obesity).
• Warm water exercise can reduce muscle tension and increase flexibility for stroke victims.
• The psychosocial and psychological benefits of exercise are important to combat depression and confusion accompanying the necessary lifestyle changes that lie ahead for participants that have been diagnosed with CVD.
• Circulation is enhanced through hydrostatic pressure massaging the venous system.
• Hydrostatic pressure promotes deeper breathing as it exerts force on respiratory walls and resists respirations.
• Balance improves.
• Weight loss is enhanced.
• Flexibility and upper body strength are improved in patients following open heart surgery or sternotomy.
• Sternal discomfort is reduced following open heart surgery.

Recommended water temperature: a temperature range of 28 to 30 degrees C is recommended for moderate to high intensity exercise. For lower intensity exercise the water temperature should range between 30 and 31 degrees C. 

Recommended tempo: 125 to 150 bpm at half tempo is recommended for shallow water exercise.

Recommended water depth: Chest to armpit depth is recommended to allow for reduced impact and controlled movement.

Recommended program formats: Continuous moderate level aerobic conditioning is generally prescribed for participants with CVD. For unfit individuals, rest periods might need to be incorporated, or interval training above and below the lower target heart rate threshold might provide tolerable programming.

From the book: Aquatic Fitness Proffesional Manual (AEA)