Can you prepare for a cardiac stress test?

It’s not exactly like you can study for that kind of test.

So why am I asking such a silly question?

To be fair, the answer to that question is to stay in cardiovascular shape in the first place!

You’ll be well prepared for that cardiac stress test … right?

Maybe …

Many folks who are in very good physical shape suffer heart attacks everyday!

So, passing your cardiac stress test is not a promise of vibrant health.

Let’s get real.

What can you really do to prepare for your cardiac stress test?

“Eat a low fat diet?”

No, not necessarily.  You definitely don’t want to be eating trans-fats (check labels), but you should be eating plenty of “good fat”.

In fact essential fatty acids are very important to good health.

“Eat less sugar?”

Oh yea, now you’re getting some where!

If you are eating “low fat” packaged foods you are likely getting extra sugar.

BAD idea!  The chronic inflammation that causes heart failure has everything to do with the amount of sugar you eat.

Sugar feeds inflammation.

Eat produce, you’ll be much better off.  Nature knows to package sweet things with lots of fiber!

“Exercise more? (groan)”

YES!  Sedentary Death Syndrome IS deadly.

You will die prematurely of every cause if you are inactive!

Getting active does NOT have to be horrible, though!

• Explore beautiful locations near you.  That’s a great way to walk more AND enjoy it!  Take a look at some great pictures from a recent walk with my son.

• Take dance lessons!  (Heart Failure Solutions and Zen Dance Lessons will soon be offering “Breathing In Motion Swing Dance Lessons” so stay tuned!)

• Heck, just sit less!  The more you sit and look at a screen, the more you increase your risk of heart disease.

Here’s an awesome way to prepare for your cardiac stress test:

Getting a tread mill desk will definitely prepare you for that cardiac stress test!

Oh, and LAUGH!

Laughter is the best possible medicine you can take daily for your heart and your health!

Seriously!  Create happiness in your world and you will avoid heart disease.  Science has found this to be factual by studying a town whose residents did not succumb to heart disease!  They just didn’t!

And the only explanation for their health was the overwhelming support of their tight knit community!  Not diet, not exercise.  Happiness is what made the difference and kept them from dying of heart disease!

Jon Green from the video, and his brother Hank, are always good for a laugh.

I love it when my daughter shares their videos with me, it gives us an opportunity to laugh together!  Group laughter is even more powerful than individual laughter!

Jon’s tread mill suggestion really has some merit though.  I often use an exercise ball to sit on at my desk.  It helps, but a tread mill would be better!

Be a stander rather than a sitter!

Amazon has some nice treadmill desks, click on the link and check out a beauty.  They have some nice less expensive ones as well, though this one is particularly beautiful!

Solid Maple Treadmill desk

 

Many blessings,

Carrie Tucker, RCP

The Life Breath Coach

Heart Failure Solutions.com

AND

“Ambassador of Breathing Techniques” on HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

 

PS– Remember everyday:

• Relax and Release tension
• Exhale Slowly
• Be active in a way that adds Joy to your life

Plus pure water ~whole foods~sunshine~and laughter