Dr. Aziz Günsel, one of the specialists from the Department of Cardiology at Near East University Hospital, emphasized that regular physical activity, particularly cycling, supports cardiovascular health and highlighted the importance of heart patients leading active lives within the limits recommended by their doctors. “Having heart disease is no reason to avoid sports.” Dr. Günsel said. “Let’s cycle and stay active: The key is to determine a pace that suits us, based on an understanding of our heart’s condition.”
In Cyprus, days suitable for outdoor sports offer significant opportunities for an active lifestyle. Cycling, which has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, stands out as an enjoyable way to incorporate regular physical activity into daily life. Dr. Aziz Günsel highlights the importance of regular exercise, especially cycling, in maintaining cardiovascular health and stresses that an active lifestyle should be encouraged at every age.
Noting that regular physical activity tailored to an individual’s health status is important not only for healthy individuals but also for those with cardiovascular disease, Dr. Günsel emphasized that a heart disease diagnosis does not necessitate a sedentary lifestyle. He explains that maintaining an active life, guided by medical advice and suited to the individual’s exercise capacity, can contribute to better management of the condition and an improved quality of life.
Heart disease does not mean giving up an active lifestyle
Stating that it is not the right approach for individuals diagnosed with heart disease to completely abandon exercise, Dr. Aziz Günsel said, “When performed in a manner suited to an individual’s health status and capacity, regular physical activity contributes to supporting heart health, better managing the course of illness, and improving quality of life. Thus, a diagnosis of heart disease should not be viewed as a reason for a sedentary lifestyle.”
Noting that individuals who have undergone angiography, stent placement, or bypass surgery can also lead active lives based on the evaluations and recommendations of their cardiologists, Dr. Günsel said, “The key point here is that exercise should be planned individually. Instead of the mindset ‘I have heart disease, so I cannot exercise’, we should adopt the approach: ‘I know the condition of my heart, and I do the exercise suitable for me in consultation with my doctor.’”
The important thing is to stay active and find the right pace
Stating that exercise should be a natural part of life for both healthy individuals and those with cardiovascular disease, Dr. Aziz Günsel emphasized the importance of individuals being aware of their own capacity and health status when engaging in sports.
Dr. Günsel advised that for those who have led sedentary lives for a long time, it is better to increase activity levels through a program tailored to them rather than suddenly starting high-intensity, prolonged exercise. He said, “Our goal is not to discourage people from sports; on the contrary, we want to encourage them to be more active. However, it is crucial, especially for those starting an intense exercise program after a long period of inactivity, to be aware of their health status and adjust the exercise intensity accordingly.”
Every heart has a different exercise capacity
Emphasizing that a cardiological evaluation does not mean administering the exact same tests to everyone who wishes to exercise, Dr. Aziz Günsel said, “An individual’s age, family history, lifestyle, existing medical conditions, and the intensity of the planned exercise must all be evaluated together. Every heart and every body has a different exercise capacity. The right approach is not to avoid physical activity, but to engage in it at the appropriate intensity while being aware of that capacity.”
Noting that these assessments, specifically regarding cycling, also apply to other sports requiring high levels of exertion and endurance, Dr. Günsel emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent exercise routine.
Let’s not forget our ‘main engine’ when investing in equipment
Reminding us that cycling requires significant preparation, ranging from the bicycle and helmet to specialized clothing and other gear, Dr. Aziz Günsel stated that heart health should also be considered a crucial part of this preparation.
“We invest in our bicycles, helmets, gear, and training sessions. While investing in all of these, let us not neglect the most important part of this sport: our ‘main engine, the heart.” Dr. Günsel said. “One way to protect our heart is to exercise it correctly. Let’s stay active and make exercise a part of our lives, but let’s do so with an awareness of our own health status and limitations.”
Pay attention to the signals your body sends
Dr. Aziz Günsel emphasized that while promoting an active lifestyle is important, it is equally crucial to correctly interpret the signals the body sends during exercise. He stated that symptoms such as chest pain or a sensation of pressure, unusual shortness of breath, noticeable heart palpitations, dizziness, or fainting should not be ignored.
Noting that one should seek medical attention rather than continuing to exercise when such symptoms arise, Dr. Günsel said, “Sports are among the most valuable investments we can make in our health. Let us stay active, ride bicycles, and lead an active life. Let us make exercise a sustainable part of our lives by being aware of our heart’s condition and its limits.”