Exercise

[Beresford]

Hi there

On Tuesday I was in the gym doing an upper body workout shifting weights ranging from 8kgs to 30kgs depending on the exercise. In the afternoon I had a heart attack and had a stent in my front artery of the heart.

I'm 64 going on 65. Gyming 3 times a week and swimming twice a week. Eating healthy. Having alcohol only once a week and then only 2 units as part of my weight loss plan.

Will I ever be able to get back to that routine and lifestyle again or will that be a thing of the past to be substituted with gentle exercise and walking only? My goal of running half a marathon.... Is that just a dream now? Berry

[NineToTheSky]

I was in a very similar situation to you. I am 66, was running 100k a week, and had a heart attack and three cardiac arrests in January. I, too, was very worried about restarting my exercising. But, if you are like me, it will happen. I am going to the gym six days a week now, doing resistance and cardio.

See if the NHS/BHF are offering cardiac rehab. It has worked wonders in restoring my confidence, and in helping me to build up my exercising. They are also great in listening sympathetically and offering sensible advice.

I am sure that you will run your half marathon!

[Beresford in reply to NineToTheSky]

Hi NineToTheSky.

Thanks for your post. That's really encouraging to hear. I got home from the hospital last night and have started week 1 of the cardiac rehab ... Walk 5 to 10 minutes a day twice a day... Sleep in the afternoon... thinking I am going to climb the walls.

Great to know at least that I CAN get back on track provided I keep to the rehab plan. At least I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel now. I honestly thought this was going to be the end of my fitness goals.

[NineToTheSky in reply to Beresford]

Yes, I was initially quite despondent about not exercising. But I am now exercising quite strongly six days a week - and I feel great! Just listen to your body and to the professional advice you get, and I am sure you will be achieving your goals soon!

[Glos1873]

Hi

I am a bit like you a runner and my attack took place whilst doing a 5k Parkrun very lucky with people around me plus defib. My training before was a bit hit and miss but after rehab got back into going to the gym. I’ve learnt more about my body and go a few times a week you might find that going 6 times a week will be a bit too much. I’ve taken up cycling now which was recommended and love it and go to the gym twice a week listen to your body I also bought myself a garmin watch which helps with the goals you set and monitors sleep and HR.

[Zena166]

Hi Berry as others have said you will be able to get back to running but in the initial stages you need to take advice from the rehab team. Post rehab I was referred to my local leisure centre that runs a health and well-being service was cardiac Rehab stage 4. They work closely with the rehab teams and give excellent support and advice so worth seeing if you have one in your area. I live in North East so have excellent rehab facilities. Yes the inactivity feels like a prison sentence. There’s only so much books to read TV to watch sudoku to work painting to do....Best of luck and try and be patient I know it’s difficult you will be back to full fitness in a short period of time. Take care. Zena