Before going into the list, it’s important to check with your health care provider before starting any exercise or movement routine, especially if you have a pre-existing heart condition. There has been concern about the use of vibration plates and heart problems.
For example, if you have had a stroke or heart attack in the past or have a blood clotting disorder, you should not use a vibration platform. You should also avoid vibration machines if you have a pacemaker. That said, some studies have also shown some positive results relating to vibration plates and heart health.
1. Vibration Machines and Increased Heart Rate:
First of all, vibration platforms can increase your heart rate, similar to exercise. In addition, the vibrations may stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn can cause a temporary increase in heart rate (and blood pressure).Therefore, check with your doctor before using one if you have a heart condition or are at risk for cardiovascular disease.
2. High Blood Pressure:
Standing on a vibrating plate can make your blood pressure go up temporarily because they increase muscle contractions and the flow of blood. Another factor to keep in mind is that the repetitive oscillations can increase stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
This also can increase blood pressure. Consequently, if you have hypertension, this may create issues. That said, this study showed that middle aged and elderly people who used vibration plates for 3 months showed that whole body vibration had a positive effect on arterial stiffness.
3. Angina:
Angina is reduced blood flow to the heart, therefore causing chest pain or discomfort. Although vibration plates haven’t shown to cause angina, they do raise heart rate and produce a temporary elevation in blood pressure.
4. Myocardial Infarction or Cardiac Arrest:
There has been concern that using a vibration machine can cause a heart attack. However, this study reported positive findings (albeit in rats) in regards to vibration training and myocardial infarcts.
5. Cardiomyopathy:
Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened, enlarged or stiff. As a result, it’s more difficult for the heart to pump blood. This can be a genetic condition or cause by a viral infection or medications, like some chemotherapeutic agents.
Vibration plates produce high-frequency vibrations that can increase heart rate and blood pressure, as we talked about above. However, vibration plates haven’t been shown to cause cardiomyopathy directly. That said, vibration machines may not be safe for individuals with certain heart conditions, such as unstable angina, heart failure or arrhythmias.
6. Aortic Dissection:
According to the Cleveland Clinic, aortic dissection occurs when there is a slow breakdown of the cells that make up the aorta walls. Generally, this happens over many years before the weakened area of the aortic wall tears, therefore leading to the aortic dissection.
This problem can be a result of long-term stress to the aortic wall due to constant high blood pressure. In some people, it can be an inherited trait.
7. Using a Vibration Plate with Pericarditis:
Pericarditis is when the heart lining becomes inflamed. This can occur because of a bacterial, fungal or viral infection, injury, heart surgery, an autoimmune disorder or heart attack. Because pericarditis can disrupt normal heart function, consult with your doctor before using a vibration plate.