Strengthening the heart- this is important question for almost all professional athletes and for people involved in sports at an amateur level. After all, it is believed that intense strength training can adversely affect the state of the cardiovascular system. In particular, many doctors argue that bodybuilding, popular today, poses a serious threat to the heart, since it can lead to excessive overload and myocardial hypertrophy, which in turn can result in the occurrence of dangerous heart diseases.

However, there is another way of looking at strengthening the heart in sports. For example, the authors of the American Heart Association Journal in one of their articles tried to prove that natural bodybuilding has an extremely positive effect on the work of the cardiovascular system. It turned out, frankly, it doesn't matter. But even if they are right, the fact that athletes need to closely monitor the state of their hearts will not change, because in addition to power physical. Exercise, there are other potential threats to an athlete's cardiac health.

To begin with, we will present contraindications to strength training, since there are times when no procedures to strengthen the heart are able to change the situation in better side... So, strength training should not be carried out with the following ailments and deviations from the cardiovascular system:

• With high blood pressure (it is allowed to engage only after the selection and implementation of the correct therapy);
• With heart failure or valve failure with regurgitation;
• With aneurysms, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias;
• With tachycardia (it is allowed to practice if the heart rate is normalized);
• With coartation of the aorta or mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation.

It should also be noted that strengthening the heart muscle and its vessels - this procedure is almost mandatory. Even in a state of complete physical norms, athletes often begin to face signs of pathological changes in the heart. It is necessary to resist them quickly and effectively, otherwise not the most pleasant consequences, up to diseases and serious deviations, are possible.

By the way, the mentioned signs are pain in the region of the heart, increased heart rate and interruptions (extrasystoles). If they occur, you must immediately contact your doctor who will prescribe a diet, exercise and medications to strengthen the heart, and most importantly, carry out diagnostics, including an ECG, Echo-KG, a blood test for cholesterol and some other procedures.

Important: Doctors outside the world of sports often underestimate the risks that athletes face. Without a serious reason, such a specialist may not prescribe the necessary therapy. But this is a serious mistake, since it is much easier to carry out preventive measures aimed at strengthening the heart than to treat heart pathologies later. Therefore, in the beginning, it is better to consult a professional sports doctor, if, of course, you have such an opportunity.

Now to the most interesting: further in the text will be presented drugs, herbs and generally available means for strengthening the heart that can help an athlete protect their heart vascular system and generally strengthen the body. We will also try to describe how they are used, so be careful.

Beta blockers to strengthen the heart

This class includes a whole group of adrenomimetic drugs that act on the beta-adrenergic receptors of the heart and cause a decrease in its contractions. This activity helps to reduce the need for the myocardium nutrients and oxygen, and also eliminates the overload of the cardiovascular system.

Generally beta blockers- this is what can and should be taken to strengthen the heart, since they are one of the few pharmacological agents that can truly prolong life (this is achieved by reducing the risk of dangerous heart diseases).

Note that in medicine, beta-blockers have a rather limited range of applications (they are usually used to lower blood pressure), in bodybuilding and other sports, their indications for use are more extensive:

First, the use of beta-blockers in sports is carried out to normalize the heart rate. It is known that if the pulse is higher than the permissible physiological norm (at rest, the norm is 80-90 beats per minute), then changes occur in the heart, leading to serious pathologies. This should not be allowed.

Secondly, beta blockers are used to eliminate some side effects that can occur with the use of fat burners. What are these side effects? First of all, a rapid pulse, secondly, myocardial hypertrophy and high blood pressure (such popular means for burning fat as ephedrine, thyroxine, etc. can lead to these deviations).

Thirdly, the action of beta blockers comes in handy when taking anabolic steroids. Again, as in the case of fat burners, taking anabolic steroids can cause an increase in blood pressure and myocardial hypertrophy.

Also beta blocker drugs can exhibit the following mechanism of action: improve overall health and mood, eliminate pain in the heart and depression. In general, there is one extremely curious theory according to which the human heart is “programmed” for a certain number of contractions, respectively, the more often contractions occur, the shorter the service life of the heart. Beta-blockers, as the instructions for use say, are able to reduce the number of contractions, and therefore increase the life of the heart / increase the life of a person.

By the way, at the moment the following drugs from the group of beta-blockers are most popular, here is the list: Biprol or Bisoprolol and Metoprolol. The dosage of these pharmacies. funds are selected individually for each person, and their course usually lasts until the increased pulse disappears completely (until it is equal to approximately 60 beats per minute). In general, before taking it, you should definitely visit a doctor to get advice and find out which remedy is optimal for you. For reference: many new and modern beta-blockers can be bought practically without hindrance in a regular pharmacy store, for example, in a pharmacy.

Trimetazidine: instructions for use, action and useful properties

This drug is an antianginal drug with multiple effects. So, Trimetazidine(trimetazidine dihydrochloride) can normalize the energy metabolism of cells subjected to ischemia or hypoxia, support the metabolism of neurosensory organs and, most importantly, the heart.

In general, Trimetazidine exhibits the following mechanism of action: it normalizes the process of formation and consumption of energy by cells that have undergone oxygen deficiency as a result of circulatory disorders, prevents a decrease in the intracellular concentration of ATP (ATP or adenosine triphosphoric acid is an important source of energy required for the normal functioning of cells) and promotes correct functioning of ionic membrane channels, which allows maintaining cell homeostasis.

Also, the use of Trimetazidine in bodybuilding, and not only, can increase the resistance of myocardial cells to oxygen deficiency, eliminate tinnitus, normalize hearing and restore the functional activity of the retina. But that's not all, because this drug can also reduce the frequency of attacks in patients with angina pectoris, increase the resistance of the myocardium to physical exertion and provide many other benefits both in sports and beyond.

By the way, Trimetazidine has the following indications for use:

• Use for ischemic heart disease, angina pectoris and during ischemic complex therapy;
• Take in case of chorionic vascular disorders and dizziness, the root cause of which is the malfunction of the cardiovascular system;
• Use for medicinal and therapeutic purposes for tinnitus and dizziness during Meniere's disease.

Since the indications have already been identified, then we note the contraindications to the use of Trimetazidine. There are not so many of them as some other means that normalize and strengthen the heart, however, they are there and you should not forget about it. First of all, this is hypersensitivity, people with this deviation should not use the described drug. In addition, it is not recommended for women during pregnancy and lactation / breastfeeding.

And how in general is it correct to take this remedy, medication Trimetazidine, for medicinal and therapeutic purposes? It's simple: the optimal dosage is 20 mg two to three times a day (that is, 40-60 mg per day) with meals. If you have purchased the modified release version of tablets, then the doses should be slightly different - 35 mg twice a day (that is, 70 mg per day).

In conclusion, we list the side effects that may occur if you use the drug Trimetazidine: allergic reactions, such as itching, in rare cases - nausea, vomiting and other mild dyspeptic symptoms.

Using Asparkam to support and strengthen the heart

Let's start with the main thing: this drug is extremely popular in bodybuilding. It is a source of magnesium and potassium (these ions have a positive effect on the functions of the heart, reduce the frequency of its contractions and eliminate seizures), the body's need for which increases during strength training... Therefore, athletes are recommended from time to time to conduct a course of the described drug in order to give the body what it wants and needs (magnesium, potassium).

Important: drug release forms Asparkam there are different, so, on the pharmacological market you can find a solution for internal administration, a solution for injections and infusions, and tablets (simple and coated).

What are Asparkam's indications for use? Various, but first of all it is advised to take it with a lack of potassium and magnesium or with circulatory failure in a chronic form. Also, it is regularly prescribed for various shock conditions, with ischemia and in violation heart rate, which is caused by a lack of magnesium and potassium in the body.

In addition, if you study what the instructions for the use of Asparkam say, you will notice that it is effective in the occurrence of such heart diseases as paroxysms of atrial fibrillation and ventricular extrasystole. Plus, it is often combined with the drug Diacarb to cope with increased intracranial pressure, as well as with gout, Meniere's disease, epilepsy, and in some other cases.

How to take Asparkam effectively and correctly? This medication in the form of a solution is administered intravenously by jet (at a slow pace) or intravenous drip. For drip infusion, the recommended dosage is 10-20 ml once or twice a day. A dose of 10-20 ml is diluted with 100-200 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride or 0.5% glucose solution and injected at a rate of 25 drops per minute. For jet administration, the described drug is diluted exclusively with 0.9% sodium chloride (dosage is 10 ml of drug per 20 ml of solution) and is allowed to enter the vein at a rate of no more than 5 milliliters per minute.

In turn Asparkam tablets are used internally (whole) after meals, dosage - 2 tablets three times a day. This is if treatment is needed. If the goal is prevention or maintenance, then the drug is applied 1 tablet three times a day (a course lasting 30 days).

In the conclusion of the description, we highlight the contraindications to the use of Asparkam and its side effects. So, what "side effects" can arise if the described drug is used for therapeutic or therapeutic purposes? Various:

• Ulcers of the gastric mucosa;
• Diarrhea, vomiting and flatulence;
• Dry mouth;
• Phlebitis and venous thrombosis;
• Itching and excessive sweating;
• Weakness in muscles, dizziness, etc.

Taking the same medicine Asparkam, as the instructions and reviews say, should not be for such ailments and deviations as:

• Renal failure in acute or chronic form;
• Severe forms of myasthenia gravis;
• Hypermagnesemia or hyperkalemia (magnesium and potassium surplus, respectively).

Herbal adaptogens to strengthen the heart and blood vessels

Not all adaptogenic agents and herbal products can exhibit activity aimed at strengthening the heart muscle and blood vessels (therefore, you should not run to the pharmacy and buy the first natural adaptogen that catches your eye). However, some of them are capable of it. Which? For example, Rhodiola rosea.

This natural adaptogen, often used to strengthen the heart, is also known as the golden root. It has been used for many years in folk medicine in the countries of the East (partly in European countries), but today it has come into official medical practice.

Like many others adaptogens of plant origin, Rhodiola rosea can provide not only strengthening of the heart, but also other improvements. This, in particular, is evidenced by its indications for use:

• It is recommended to use it as a stimulant for somatic, infectious diseases and overwork;
• Recommended for use when working, requiring maximum mental stress and increased mental concentration;
• It is indicated for maintaining efficiency during the recovery period and after intense physical exertion (also during their implementation);
• Recommended for use as an agent that strengthens the heart and normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Another natural adaptogen that can protect the heart is hawthorn. Its fruits and flowers have been used since ancient times in folk and not only medicine as a sedative and heart remedy. Their composition is relatively poorly understood (it is believed that fruits contain organic acids, tannins, fatty acids, choline, sorbide and hyperin, and flowers contain hyperin, choline, tannins, fatty acids and acetylcholine), however, the effects are well known. So, hawthorn can help with nervous shocks, heart failure, insomnia and in the initial stage of hypertension.

The last plant adaptogen that strengthens the muscles of the heart and blood vessels is the safflower leuzea. Its effects are also extensive: it has a tonic, stimulating and revitalizing effect. The main properties of Leuzea preparations are: improving blood circulation (brain, muscles, etc.), increasing efficiency, increasing strength, increasing energy and endurance.

Also, the described natural adaptogen is used to strengthen the heart, with functional disorders of the central nervous system, with chronic alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, insomnia, fatigue and work in extreme conditions.

Food supplements that strengthen the heart and blood vessels

In general, food supplements should be singled out in a separate category, since they are considered the safest and at the same time extremely useful means for strengthening the heart (to protect and normalize its work). Probably, this is what we will do, having told about all the supplements important for the heart in as much detail and in detail as possible. But first, a little theory and general useful knowledge.

Nutritional supplements- this is a whole group of drugs and substances, mainly of natural origin, used in sports to improve body functions (to strengthen the heart, bones, ligaments, joints, etc.) and improve physical performance (increase endurance, strength, muscle gain). In particular, the category of these substances includes vitamins and minerals, and more precisely, vitamin-mineral complexes (these are essential nutrients for humans that our body is unable to synthesize on its own, they can only be obtained from food, food and sports supplements) ...

If we move on to our topic, it should be noted that vitamins and minerals, nutritional supplements such as vitamin E, magnesium and potassium are the most useful for strengthening the human heart. The first of the mentioned, tocopherol acetate or vitamin E, is endowed with multiple beneficial effects: it is able to both optimize the functioning of the circulatory system and normalize the function of the genitals, skeletal muscle and, of course, hearts. As a result, athletes, taking products and products containing this vitamin, protect their bodies from overload and accelerate recovery.

In turn, magnesium, included in food supplements that strengthen the heart, is necessary for the human body for ATP processing, and it also increases bone strength (found in eggs, beans, buckwheat, tomatoes). Potassium is the most important systemic electrolyte involved in the exchange of ATP and necessary for the proper functioning of all cells, including heart cells.

Now we will describe in as much detail as possible the most beneficial food supplements that are important for the heart, but are not vitamins or minerals. By the way, athletes are familiar with them firsthand, but not everyone knows about their beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system of our body.

Omega-3 fatty acids: instructions and description

This is a group of saturated fatty acids, not reproduced by the body, with a deficiency of which various physiological and biochemical abnormalities arise. Significant human omega-3s include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and α-linolenic acid (ALA), all of which are polyunsaturated acids.

Note that if in your body omega-3 fatty acids are absent in the required quantity, then you most likely will not be able to achieve significant heights in sports. This is explained by the fact that with their deficit, your athletic performance will be much lower than they could be, that is, you will lose weight worse, gain muscle mass worse, and so on.

In general, omega-3 acids exhibit a variety of effects that are useful both within sports practice and in medicine, but we will list only the most significant ones, including strengthening the heart:

• Increasing the metabolic rate and accelerating the growth of lean muscle mass, reducing body fat;
• Increased insulin sensitivity;
• Improving the rheological qualities of blood, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease;
• Increased endurance, reduced pain and inflammation, improved skin quality and increased hormone production;
• Increased overall vitality, improved brain function and reduced recovery time / faster regeneration.

Important: as the instructions for use say, to strengthen the heart and the whole body, as well as to normalize cholesterol levels, it is enough to take from 1 to 1.5 g of omega-3 per day. When playing sports, to improve physical performance, large doses will be needed - 2-3 g per day. For weight loss, the largest volumes of the described acids are needed - from 3 to 4 g daily.

Properties and action of L-carnitine

This substance, which is related to B vitamins, has a number of important functions in human body and at the same time is a fat burner. L-carnitine many people mistakenly consider a vitamin substance, however, it is not, since our body can produce it without outside help. We also note that the level of this substance is static, that is, its excess is quickly excreted from the body, it does not accumulate more than the required amount.

L-carnitine, useful for the heart and performing a lot of other significant functions, was discovered by the Russian scientists R.Z.Krimberg and V.S. Gulevich. It happened in 1905. It is noteworthy that the physiological role of carnitine was revealed only half a century later, in 1962. As it turned out, it is responsible for the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner membrane into mitochondria.

Now the most interesting thing: what effects can and does L-carnitine exhibit, what properties and action does it have? Plural and useful:

First, it burns fats (carries out the transport of fatty acids to the departments, where they are destroyed with the subsequent release of energy);

Secondly, the “vitamin” L-carnitine detoxifies (maintains the concentration of elements that are involved in the purification of organic acids and xenobiotics, etc.);

Thirdly, it exhibits anabolic functions / anabolic effect (allows not only to lose fat, but also increases lean muscle mass);

Fourth, it has a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels (this effect is primarily carried out by lowering cholesterol, in addition, carnitine exhibits antioxidant properties and improves myocardial metabolism);

Fifth, it lowers cholesterol levels (thereby, carnitine helps to prevent heart attacks / strokes and prevent vasoconstriction of the brain and heart).

L-carnitine also has other beneficial qualities, actions, for example, antithyroid, antihypoxic and neuroprotective. In addition, it is able to prevent osteoporosis and apoptosis, as well as stimulate tissue regeneration.

But that's not all, because the use of L-carnitine can also improve mental performance and increase physical energy. As shown by studies conducted in 2007 in Italy, its regular intake in the amount of about 2 mg can significantly improve mental and physical activity. The subjects showed improved mood, increased endurance, increased overall vitality and resistance to stress / depression.

Important: according to the physical properties, according to the instructions, L-carnitine is a white crystalline powder, readily soluble in water. There are two stereoisomeric carnitines in total: L and D-carnitine. However, only the L-form is endowed with useful biological activity, while the D-form can be harmful to the body and health of the athlete (it exhibits qualities opposite to the carnitine of the L form and in general is its complete antagonist).

Strengthening the heart and blood vessels: conclusion and outcome

This is not the whole list of effective remedies that can be useful for protecting the heart. After all, almost every day new drugs and supplements are released, more perfect according to the assurances of manufacturers, and you can't remember all the old ones. However, we have tried to describe and note at least in passing the most famous and at the same time useful of them.

Of course, someone may complain that such pills were not affected and drugs to strengthen the heart like Mexicor, Inosine, ATF-LONG and Mildronate. But this was done on purpose, since their effect has a weak evidence base, despite the fact that manufacturers are very competently and beautifully trying to argue the opposite.

In general, the question is how should strengthening the human heart, is so voluminous and complex that physically it is impossible to mention everything. There are a lot of nuances, subtleties and innovations here. And besides, not only pills or supplements can help, but also special exercises, charging, techniques, folk remedies, etc. So you can talk and talk about the protection of the heart almost endlessly, there would be a desire and listeners / readers.

But the main thing here is not this, but the fact that strengthening the heart in sports, in particular in bodybuilding, is an extremely important topic. The athlete must understand how important this organ plays in his present and future and how much he depends on it. Even the smallest failure in the work of the heart can put an end to the future career of an athlete, let alone serious illnesses. Therefore, do not close your eyes to the symptoms and signs of a malfunction of the cardiovascular system. After all, as already mentioned, it is much easier to carry out prophylaxis in advance than to carry out treatment for a long time, languidly and quite possibly unsuccessfully.

A little afterword: you are unlikely to be able to achieve perfect body and reference health with ancillary drugs alone. You may need here and tools that increase power performance and physical fitness... What kind of means are these? Steroids such as Turinabol, which can improve your physical indicators, and the quality of your muscle mass. By the way, you can buy it freely in our store.

Based on materials: AthleticPharma.com

A large number of doctors believe that bodybuilding negatively affects the heart and the cardiovascular system in general. In their opinion, during the exercise, the athlete can hold his breath, while the heart continues to work in an enhanced mode, without oxygen. Oxygen starvation can lead to heart attack.

It would seem that this statement is correct and has a right to exist, but in practice everything turns out quite differently.

Modern scientists completely disagree with these findings, explaining that the effect of bodybuilding is comparable to moderate cardio training. But as statistics show, many athletes suffer from heart disease. Scientists explain such a high percentage of those suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system, the use of steroids.

Science experiment

We selected people who had no experience in sports. Everyone had problems with overweight... They were asked to perform three types of training:

• Interval aerobic exercise (aerobic)
• Average aerobic activity (aerobic)
• (anaerobic)

As a result of the study, it turned out that if your goal is to promote health, then you should engage in bodybuilding or include in training program moderate aerobic exercise.

Both types of training had the same load on the heart. It is preferable to do bodybuilding, as you kill two birds with one stone: strengthen the cardiovascular system and strengthen the muscles, which play an important role in the circulation of blood throughout your body. Frequent contraction of muscle tissue improves blood flow to body tissues.

You can also read other articles:

Heart - essential organ providing the process of blood circulation in the human body. Violation of the activity of this body can lead to fatal consequences.

Bodybuilding, associated with extreme physical activity, contributes to the early deterioration of the heart muscle, which brings the athlete closer to the negative threshold associated with deteriorating health. A frivolous attitude towards problems of the cardiovascular system can lead to the development of diseases that can result in disability.

The correct training process and the necessary medical preventive procedures can reduce all negative consequences to zero.

Bodybuilding and the heart are inextricably linked, the more muscle mass a person and the activity of his lifestyle, the more the blood organ requires efforts to circulate blood in the body. Strength training can cause myocardial hypertrophy due to excessive physical exertion. However, the use of steroids, pharmaceuticals and food supplements can also adversely affect the functioning of the heart.

The first signs of possible pathological changes in the cardiovascular system are:

• extrasystoles;
• pain in the heart;
• increased heart rate.

When such symptoms appear, the athlete urgently needs to consult a doctor and undergo the necessary medical procedures that can determine the presence of pathologies.

Ignoring such "calls" can lead to myocardial infarction and more serious consequences.

Heart muscle training

To prevent heart problems, it is necessary to adhere to a number of preventive measures. The athlete needs to monitor his heart rate, which during training should keep within 120-140 beats per minute. Further, to prevent heart failure, you need to do exercises breathing exercises and pay attention aerobic exercise, which include walking, running, cycling, active games.

Also, for normal heart activity, it is necessary to follow the diet, daily routine and dress according to the season, in general, avoid fatigue, excessive fasting and cooling, as well as overheating, circulatory disorders as a result of clamping of blood vessels with clothing elements and similar stressful situations. A separate way to keep your heart in top condition is to stop using steroids and strong drugs without a doctor's prescription, the use of balanced vitamin and mineral complexes.

In pharmacology, there are a number of specialized medicines that allow you to avoid the negative consequences caused by power loads. In addition to vitamins, these medicines include:

For greater efficiency drugs, a combined course of taking the above drugs is required, calculated for 1-2 months, with three repetitions per year.

Some diseases and disorders of the cardiovascular system are incompatible with bodybuilding classes, since high loads can not only exacerbate them unnecessarily, but also lead to the death of an athlete.

Among such restrictions, it is worth noting:

• myocarditis;
• arrhythmia;
• tachycardia;
• aneurysms;
• heart failure;
• coarctation of the aorta;
• insufficiency of valves;
• high blood pressure;
• mitral valve prolapse.

Despite the fact that not all of the above contraindications are categorically inadmissible for bodybuilding, for any of the heart diseases or suspicions of such, it is necessary to undergo medical procedures - ECG, ECHO-KG, analysis for cholesterol levels. Based on the research results and in accordance with the doctor's recommendations, it will be possible to come to a decision to continue the training process or refuse it.

The effect of steroids on the heart of an athlete

In the process of training, a bodybuilder using steroid drugs has a traumatic effect on the heart. Negative consequences for the organ develop in four directions at once, among which the following side effects stand out:

• increased blood clotting and, as a result, the development of blood clots and heart attack;
• the occurrence of spasms of the coronary artery, which helps to block the access of blood to the heart;
• reduction of high-density lipoproteins, which prevent the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels;
• direct damage to the heart muscle.

For athletes who decide to use steroids in training process, it is imperative to undergo preventive measures and post-cycle therapy, which will reduce the risk of developing complex heart diseases.

Video: How to exercise after a heart attack or with heart disease

​

Detailed story about heart training from Denis Borisov

​

Physical activity helps to strengthen the heart, has a beneficial effect on its work and endurance. Moreover, it is hypodynamia - the lack of adequate physical activity - that is one of the risk factors for the development of heart and vascular diseases. At the same time, everyone knows that professional athletes are frequent patients of cardiologists. How does sport actually change the heart and where is the acceptable line, MedAboutMe portal sorted out.

Benefits of sports for heart health

The heart pumps blood throughout the body, which, in particular, delivers the necessary oxygen to the organs and tissues. In the event that the myocardium does not work enough, the body may experience hypoxia - a dangerous condition not only for its symptoms (shortness of breath, weakness, etc.), but posing a direct threat to human health and life. Patients with heart failure find it difficult to withstand even minimal physical activity, such as climbing stairs. At some point, they can cause collapse - a critical drop in blood pressure with possible death.

Sport avoids such dangerous conditions. With any physical activity, the oxygen demand of the muscles increases, which means that the heart begins to work harder in order to be able to pump more blood. Thus, the myocardium trains, gets used to possible increased loads and quickly returns after them to normal operation. A trained person is not afraid of even sharp loads, because his heart is able to quickly rebuild (change the rhythm) without any damage.

In addition, an increase in the intensity of the heart's work activates metabolic processes, and this allows the myocardium, blood vessels and blood itself to recover and renew more easily. In particular, the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood decreases, which causes atherosclerosis - the main cause of coronary heart disease with subsequent myocardial infarction.

Despite all the benefits of physical activity for CVS, sports can still be a prerequisite for serious disorders in the work of the heart. And this is due to how exactly the myocardium is modified, responding to constant loads.

Most often, athletes are diagnosed with the following conditions:

• Dilation of the left atrium - an increase in the volume of the heart chamber.

Due to the fact that the myocardium during training is forced to pump large volumes of blood, the muscle begins not only to contract more intensively, but also to stretch, because in this way it can capture a larger volume of blood at a time. Dilation can be eliminated if the athlete reduces training intensity. However, if the left atrium is stretched for a long time, fibrous tissue degeneration occurs. First, the myocardium can no longer completely relax, which affects its work. Secondly, the distended parts of the heart stop pumping blood efficiently. As a result, heart failure develops, which can lead to cardiac arrest.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a change and thickening of the walls of the left (less often right) ventricle of the heart.

Although the causes of the development of the disease have not been identified until the end, nevertheless, such a pathology is often diagnosed in people who train intensively. Moreover, it is this diagnosis that is the most common cause of sudden death from cardiac arrest in young athletes during training.

• Bradycardia is a decrease in the heart rate.

Normally, a healthy person has a pulse rate of 60-80 beats per minute. If the heart beats less than 60 times per minute, this, against the background of other CVD diseases, can lead to a serious deterioration in health and even disability. But if the heart constantly receives loads, which means that it begins to pump blood more efficiently in one contraction, at rest the pulse in a healthy person can be 35-40 beats per minute. Therefore, cardiologists distinguish bradycardia in athletes - a condition that is the norm and does not affect health. Moreover, such bradycardia makes the work of the heart more economical.

• Fitness hypotension (low blood pressure) is an adaptive response to constant physical activity.

A decrease in blood pressure is associated with an increased load on blood vessels due to increased blood flow. The arteries of a trained person are larger in diameter, which means that at rest, with average oxygen requirements, the blood will pass through them with less intensity - the pressure will be lowered. In addition, during training in the body, systems are activated, aimed at lowering blood pressure. This mechanism can be considered compensatory - exercise stress increases the need for oxygen, puts stress on the heart and thus increases blood pressure. And the body compensates for these jumps with a response. Fitness hypotension accounts for 32.2% of all hypotension in athletes.

Why can sports affect the work of the heart so differently? Why, in some cases, it prolongs its work, and in others - leads to the development of pathologies? The main reason for this different effect is the choice of training intensity. And it is easiest to calculate it by increasing the heart rate (HR), because it depends on this how forcefully the blood is pumped.

In order to calculate the permissible boundaries, you can use the following scheme: a number equal to the number of full years is subtracted from 220. The resulting value is the maximum heart rate (MHR). Workouts are divided into:

• Warm-up, load for people with CVS diseases - 50-60% of the maximum.
• Aerobic load, acceptable training for a healthy person who wants to support the heart - 60-75%.
• Anaerobic load, training that can lead to myocardial pathologies - 75-90%.
• Dangerous load, risk of death - 90-100%.

It should be understood that such calculations are very individual and depend on other factors. For example, for a trained athlete whose heart is accustomed to enduring heavy loads, even the maximum heart rate for a short time may not pose a danger. But for a hypertensive person, exercises in "safe" values ​​of aerobic loads can cause a significant deterioration in their condition.

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a workout intensity. If they are, it is better to give preference to lighter loads.

• Excess weight.

Being overweight in itself puts an increased strain on the heart, since it must supply more tissues with blood. In the event that the myocardium is not trained, but is under such a load, intense fitness can harm the heart.

• Diseases of cardio-vascular system.

The danger is that many of them are asymptomatic in the early stages - the person is not even aware of their presence. Therefore, before signing up for sports, it is necessary to undergo a cardiological examination.

• Smoking, alcohol, fatty foods, overeating.

All this gives an increased load on the heart, so it is better to give up bad habits - they are incompatible with sports.

• Stress.

Emotional stress, like physical stress, raises the heart rate. Therefore, in this state, it is best to start training with relaxing exercises, and move on to intensive exercises only after the normalization of the heart rate.

If increased loads for untrained muscles end up with sore throat (delayed muscle pain), then the heart can react with various malfunctions - heart rhythm disturbances, increased pressure, and so on.

Therefore, for training the heart, the systematicity of the loads is more important, and not their maximum possible intensity. To a healthy person workouts 3-4 times a week are suitable if an aerobic load is selected (60-75% of the MHR), and with minimum load(less than 60% of the MHR) can be exercised daily.

Strength training has a great influence on the work of the cardiovascular system. However, the opinions of doctors differ in many respects. So, many argue that it is bodybuilding that has a negative effect on the work of the heart. Firstly, this is due to heavy loads, secondly, myocardial hypertrophy without vascularization, and thirdly, constantly elevated arterial blood pressure leads to the development of heart failure.

At the same time, there is a different opinion. Modern research proves that bodybuilding only has a positive effect on the work of the heart. But in any case, prevention and strengthening of the heart is necessary for everyone, and especially for athletes. Today we will look at drugs that strengthen the heart of bodybuilders.

To begin with, not everyone can do bodybuilding. To the number of athletes who are contraindicated power loads, include people with high blood pressure, heart failure, aneurysm, myocarditis, arrhythmia and tachycardia. In addition, if a person has coarctation of the aorta, mitral valve prolapse, or valve insufficiency with regurgitation, then power loads are also contraindicated.

However, there are times when absolutely healthy bodybuilders begin to notice that their frequency is increasing, interruptions in work and heart and pain in the heart area begin. This suggests that the first signs of pathological changes in the heart are observed. In such cases, you must immediately consult a doctor for a diagnosis. Remember that any disease, especially heart disease, is easier to prevent and prevent than to cure.

Preparations for strengthening the heart of bodybuilders.

• Riboxin. Thanks to this remedy, the supply of oxygen to the heart is enhanced. Riboxin also needs to improve blood supply, normalize heart rhythm and strengthen the myocardium. For athletes, this cardiovascular agent will also be beneficial because it enhances protein synthesis in muscles and has a positive effect on energy processes in the heart. Riboxin should be taken from 1 to 4 months 3-4 times a day before meals;

• Trimetazidine is better known as Preductal, but this brand name is more expensive. This drug is needed to protect the heart, normalize heart metabolism, and improve cardiac nutrition at the cellular level. Consume 35 mg for 15-30 days with meals 2 times a day;

• Asparkam is a drug that is based on a combination of magnesium and potassium. Pretty popular with bodybuilders. Askarkam is used to reduce heart contractions, eliminate seizures, and reduce the manifestation of arrhythmias. As an additional action, the work of the gastrointestinal tract improves. It is necessary to drink a course, taking Asparkam 3 times a day after meals for 1 month;

• The most popular and widest class of adrenergic agonists are beta-blockers. The most effective are Bisoprolol and Metoprolol. They help eliminate overload, lower blood pressure, and normalize the pulse so that it does not exceed the physiological norm. With anabolic steroids or anabolic steroids, the load on the heart increases, which causes myocardial hypertrophy. Beta blockers can help prevent this. Bodybuilders note that after the regular use of beta-blockers, the heart rate is normalized and the overall well-being improves. It also increases lifespan by reducing the risk of some of the most common heart diseases. However, this drug is not recommended for use without a doctor's recommendation, so be sure to consult with a specialist, as there are contraindications.

There are also herbal preparations for strengthening the heart, which are prescribed to athletes for prevention and treatment.

Hawthorn reduces the heart rate, increases coronary blood flow, dilates the vessels of the brain and heart. Heart strength also increases. Hawthorn extract for bodybuilders is also useful in that it normalizes sleep, relieves nervous excitement and lowers blood cholesterol levels.

Rhodiola rosea is the most effective herbal remedy for improving heart function. This plant adaptogen improves heart contractility. have a tonic effect on the entire body as a whole, regular intake of herbal tea from rhodiola has a positive effect on the size of cellular mitochondria, which are necessary for oxygen respiration of cells.

Leuzea safflower- a drug necessary to normalize the work of the heart, dilate blood vessels and increase the lumen of the bloodstream. In addition, it can help reduce your heart rate.

Vitamins and nutritional supplements to strengthen the heart.

As a preventive measure, you should always take vitamins, minerals, omega-3 and L-carnitine. These food additives have a positive effect on the work of the heart muscle, help the body to cope with pathological processes and ailments.

For correct work the heart needs to remove harmful cholesterol, toxins and toxins. To do this, you need to take antioxidants and the required amount of vitamins, as well as magnesium, calcium, potassium and selenium. The strongest antioxidant is vitamin C. Of course, Special attention should pay attention to the diet - can be read on our website. However, vitamin complexes are also necessary, because in bodybuilders it is higher than usual.

It is also essential for heart health, protecting the body from free radicals, preventing atherosclerosis and reducing blood viscosity. Another vitamin useful for the heart is vitamin A. It strengthens the walls of blood vessels and promotes the elimination of cholesterol. Vitamins of group B (B3, B5, B6) prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Don't forget about minerals. For example, magnesium normalizes blood pressure and prevents blood clots from forming. Potassium is essential for building cell walls, as well as increasing endurance and lowering blood pressure.

• Monitor your diet. It should be varied. Try to eliminate foods that contain bad cholesterol. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, nuts, liver, dried fruits in the diet;
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. This will help you avoid increasing your heart's oxygen consumption and reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in your body.
• Move as much as possible, exercise, swim. It is also necessary to get rid of excess weight;
• Drink 2-3 liters of liquid a day. Best of all, it should be plain water, green tea, fruit drinks. This will help you avoid dehydration and blood clots;
• Forget stress. Prolonged depression or something that makes the heart work harder, which increases the risk of a heart attack by 3 times.

Video