Heart health is important for everyone, but people with disabilities may have extra challenges when trying to exercise. For example, it might be hard to get to a gym if you can’t drive, tough to walk or bike if you use a wheelchair or challenging to play a team sport if you have a cognitive (thinking) problem.
Whether you have limited mobility, a sensory impairment or a long-term health condition, there are still ways to protect your heart and support your health and overall well-being.
Keeping your heart healthy can mean finding new strategies that work for you. With the right tools, care and support, you can take steps to improve your cardiovascular health.
“Prioritizing heart health empowers people with disabilities to live longer,” said Arpit Sothwal, MD, a cardiologist with Banner Health.
Why are people with disabilities at higher risk for heart disease?
Some disabilities can make it harder to stay active. “A sedentary lifestyle raises your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, which ultimately increases the risk of heart problems,” Dr. Sothwal said. “Unfortunately, disability can be one of the reasons for a sedentary lifestyle.”
It can also be harder for people to manage heart health with a disability, whether it’s a physical, sensory or cognitive issue. That’s because it may be more difficult to:
- Prepare healthy food
- Manage medications or their side effects
- Get regular medical care
- Access fitness spaces
- Overcome challenges with mobility, pain or coordination
- Cope with stress, since stress levels may be high
But these risks can often be managed or reduced. Even small changes in your routine cardiovascular care and lifestyle can make a big difference over time.
How can you have better heart health if you have a physical disability?
Physical activity strengthens your heart, improves circulation and boosts your mood. You don’t have to go to the gym or do intense workouts. You can find movement that works for your body and your abilities.
“People with disabilities can adapt exercises to improve their heart health,” Dr. Sothwal said.
Before you start any exercise program or make big changes to what you’re doing, talk to your health care provider. You may also want to connect with a physical therapist or a trained fitness professional with experience supporting people who have disabilities. They can help you design a routine that’s safe and effective for your goals.
To exercise with a physical disability, you may want to:
- Adapt activities to your ability, such as seated exercise, stretching, gentle yoga or chair yoga, resistance bands, swimming or water exercises
- Use adaptive fitness equipment like hand cycles, chair exercise videos and pool lifts
- Aim for regular movement in small doses throughout the day
- Break exercise into smaller segments to help overcome fatigue or pain
- Start small and focus on what feels good
How can you have better heart health if you have a cognitive or developmental disability?
“People with these kinds of disabilities can benefit from supervised programs with tailored therapy,” Dr. Sothwal said. Ask your care team about programs designed for people with cognitive or developmental disabilities.
It can also help to:
- Create simple, consistent routines for movement or activity, such as a daily walk
- Use music, games or visual cues to make exercise fun
- Partner with caregivers, friends or others to help stay safe and motivated
- Make fun physical activities like gardening or dancing part of your daily routine
What other ways can people with disabilities support their heart health?
Physical activity is important, but it’s not the only step you can take to help keep your heart healthy.
- Nutrition: Eat heart-friendly foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Prepare easy, healthy meals ahead of time when possible. If it’s hard for you to chew, swallow or digest certain foods, ask your provider or dietitian for tips.
- Medication: Take your medications as prescribed and talk to your health care provider if you have any side effects or you have trouble remembering to take your medication. Some medications may affect your heart rate, blood pressure or weight.
- Sleep: Poor sleep can increase your heart risk. Talk to your provider about sleep apnea, insomnia or other sleep issues.
- Stress management: Try techniques like deep breathing, meditation, music or therapy. Reducing stress supports both your heart and your mental health.
- Heart health tracking: Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels and talk to your provider about managing these risk factors.
- Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take for your heart.
- Limit alcohol: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
How can your care team help?
Your provider can help you build a plan that fits your health status, physical abilities and goals. Talk to your provider about:
- Your current activity level and what’s realistic for you
- Any physical or mental barriers you face
- Support programs, like physical therapy or adaptive wellness programs
At Banner Health, we believe everyone deserves access to care that works for them. We focus on whole-person care — including accessibility and inclusion. Whether you need help staying active, managing a chronic condition or making healthy lifestyle changes, we’re here to support you.
Reach out to connect with a Banner Health provider who can help you keep your heart healthy.
