Life change!

[justinrp]

Did a bike race this weekend, done a few before, had a coffee afterwards. Then promptly had a heart attack; one stent fitted. Annoyed with my myself for not managing my cholesterol. But most of all need guidance as to what level of activty I can expect to be able to do. Taking into consideration the cocktail of drugs I am taking...

[Zena166]

Hi Justinprp. Sorry to hear of your heart attack. It’s a shock for you. Easy to say but try not to be angry. My philosophy is I cannot change my past but can control my future (had heart attack last year). Although you were obviously fit before your heart attack you need to gradually increase your exercise. You will be offered cardiac rehabilitation programme this is a 16 session over 8 weeks (usually) that is an exercise programme as well as educational includes information and advice about lifestyle; activities; psychological; diet etc. Well worth attending as it gives you confidence and helps with you coping with knowing what you can/can’t do etc.

In the meantime listen to your body. Remember your body especially your heart has been traumatised so you need to be mindful of that. I was told not to cycle for at least 6 weeks but concentrate on walking gradually increasing to 30 minutes after about 6 weeks. It will be different for everyone but I guess the message is to take it easy initially as your body needs to recover from your heart attack and subsequent surgery. Take care and look after yourself. Keep us posted. Zena

[justinrp in reply to Zena166]

Thanks zena

[IanMK]

Hi Justin

Clearly this event has made you think carefully.

Firstly, give your heart a few weeks to recover before you get on your bike again. Then start slowly. In my opinion, the best advice is to ‘listen to your body’ and ease up if it starts complaining. A fitness tracker may help but be aware that medical professionals don’t believe that ones worn on the wrist are accurate; ones worn on the chest may be better. Try and control any competitive urges and don’t set the bar too high. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t continue to enjoy your rides.

I hope this helps.

[justinrp in reply to IanMK]

Thanks ian.

My garmin was close to the monitoring stuff I was hooked up to. But i'll accomodate the chest strap hrm when I can (next few weeks).

Thanks for the advice.

[IanMK in reply to justinrp]

The difference between monitors is that the wrist one measures the pulse but the chest one measures electrical activity, which aren’t necessarily the same. This is particularly important for anyone with an arrhythmia.

As Zena mentions, take the rehabilitation programme. However, I suspect they can be variable. I didn’t find mine to be particularly helpful.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Sorry to hear your news - obviously a huge shock. Plenty of good advice from otheres.

A slight aside. Did you have coffee before the race. Some years ago i saw someone collapse with AF brought on by taking to many ProPlus (caffeine) tablets. They survived but did have to spend the night in ICU. Personally i would never touch an energy drink!

[justinrp in reply to MichaelJH]

Er no. No energy drinks before, just porridge thanks.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to justinrp]

Hi, I was not trying to suggest anything just enquiring having seen a cardiac event caused by caffeine overdose. Also I wanted to warn others of the potential dangers of energy drinks.

[justinrp in reply to MichaelJH]

Hmmm

[jimmyq]

To manage your cholesterol level you could consider going vegan or at least cutting down on diary products. I have never eaten a lot of meat so it is the diary products that have blocked my arteries.

[Jasppip]

It's been 11 weeks since my HA and I've started cardio rehab which I love it helps you understand what you can and can't do I'm not allowed to cycle yet but I expect everyone is different

[justinrp]

Thanks for the information.