Going to the Gym after Angioplasty

[LenFish]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this community. I had a stent fitted 5 weeks ago following an angina attack. This is my second stent. The 1st ( which is still good) was fitted in 2006 in a different artery and was found following abnormal stress test during a company medical. Fortunately I've never had a heart attack. I am 69 retired and have been pretty active. Gym twice a week and golf twice a week prior the angina attack. My cardiologist says I can return to the gym and golf after 6 weeks which is week after next. Looking for a bit of advice with regard to what routine to follow as apprehensive about overdoing it but at the sometime want to do something meaningful.I am generally feeling Ok with the odd twinge but told this is normal and have been walking for about 40 mins every day without any issues.

Appreciate any suggestions.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Len, when you're at the gym do you have a trainer there? Looking to monitor your heart rate so you keep to about 80% of your maximum plus take into consideration your medication. That way you can still work out but within limits. Your walking sounds ideal and your twinges should disappear with time.

Mainly it's going to be a case of learning your own body and when it's feeling stressed and recognising this

Good luck Mark

[LenFish in reply to skid112]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for that. There is a cardio trainer at my gym but she is there on the days I'm not. I have a routine and a heart monitor which I shall make sure I only go upto 80% of maximum on and build up gradually.

[Dhomewood]

Hi Len

Agree with Skid - I had a Cardio Rehab session where they worked out my max heart rate based on age and medication etc. I can only push to 120 HR

Ask your GP to be referred.

Good Luck

Daren

[blueshark in reply to Dhomewood]

I'm a bit lost with this. I had a HA in April and returned to the gym after 2 and a bit weeks. Although I underwent an exercise tolerance test, where my max HR was recorded at 182, no one discussed MHR for exercise, nor the impact of any medications on exercise?

I have been out running since the test, recording HR in excess of 140; am I putting myself at risk? If so, how and how do I address this?

[Jaycey]

I agree with the other replies - ask to be referred to Cardio Rehab. They will start you on an exercise program and monitor your heart rate. The first phase is very low key but I found it gave me confidence that my heart was going to be fine during exercise. Phase 2 was in the gym using the equipment - while monitored.

[LenFish]

Thanks all for responses. Appreciate it. Aiming to go to gym next week and taking it very slowly. Will let you know how I get on.