Post CABG recovery

[Statler]

I had a triple CABG back in September 2018 and have completed Cardio Rehab, HeartSmart referral programme, followed on to gym membership, play football once a week and go off road biking with my kids on a regular basis. I have changed my diet to eat more healthily and take aspirin, atorvastatin and small dosage ramipril daily. In addition to going to the gym twice a week for 2 hours I walk to the station and on to my office Mon to Frid so roughly an hours walking per day. Based on this level of activity I am more than happy with my post op recovery but I still find that when walking I do encounter a low level feeling of breathlessness - nothing like post heart attack I had back in April 2018 but there is an element of it from time to time that is bugging me.

Is this to be expected or is it psychosomatic?

[Calliope153]

Is it when you walk up slight gradients or on the flat?

[Statler in reply to Calliope153]

Doesn't happen all the time but could be on the flat or up a gradient. Strange thing is I do 30 mins on treadmill on a gradient at the gym and doesn't seem to be an issue.

[Calliope153 in reply to Statler]

I have a very similar problem but I had heart attack and stent so probably not the same thing - but I find breathlessness happens and I have no idea why when I am walking - except it is more likely on slight incline. Beginning, middle or end of walk it can happen any time. Only thing I have ever been able to tie it to is slight incline.....

[Statler in reply to Calliope153]

Thanks for sharing. At least it is not just me then.

[stevejb1810]

Possibly the drugs. I had my triple Oct 17, and while I’m generally fitter now than I have been in years, just once in a while I find I’m breathing a bit harder to get the oxygen in. For me it’s more likely to happen if I walk up hill (and not even especially steep ones). Since it’s so very occasional and always transient I just carry on. Compared to where I was pre-op, it doesn’t even rate as a mild inconvenience

[Statler in reply to stevejb1810]

That's my view too. It is a mild occurrence but helpful to hear others have the same. The main thing is it never stops me when playing football or at the gym.

[santisuk]

I'm only 16 days post triple op but made good progress with cardio rehab in my post-op time in hospital

Had no breathlessness while under guidance of the physios, but find have occasional periods when i need to stop and take a few deep breaths.

I think the main reason is that my moving around now is not preceded by warm-ups and sucking balls up tubes (except for my main daily walk) and a few other gos on the balls. Maybe think about a bit of callistenic warm up before getting up to do anything non-trivial around the house.

I'm gonna buy one of those Sats testers that you stick on the finger end to keep an eye on my oxygen conversion too.

[Statler in reply to santisuk]

Sounds like it is par for the course and nothing to worry about. I have a BUPA health check through work in a couple of weeks so that will be a good time to get some answers.

[Twobells]

I had triple in April 17 but still have brathlessne when out walking, but not at the gym. Partly I think its all the pollution in the air doesn't help. I was given a GTN spray to take before I go out walking it seems to help

See GP as mine hasbeen diagnosed as MVA angina whereby the smaller blood vessels are affected.

Hope this helps

[Statler in reply to Twobells]

I will be mentioning it when I have my BUPA health check in a couple of weeks so thanks for the input.

[Ianc2]

Bear in mind it probably took a fair old while for your arteries to get clogged up. It follows that the diet you are ate clogged your arteries and you need to examine what you eat to get rid of the sugars, cakes and pizzas and junk food to stop the whole process starting all over.

While you have been ill you have had relatively little exercise and your muscles are not at their most efficient and your breathing has not been optimised.

Nice and easy does it. No miracle cures, just steady, regular process and gradual improvement. Keep at it, you are doing well.

[Statler in reply to Ianc2]

It wasn't so much lifestyle that caused my heart condition as I'm a non-smoking, social drinker, diet wasn't too bad and have always been active. Unfortunately it was due to genes predominantly that I ended up in this position. However, that's not to say a diet change won't help going forward along with drugs and active life style.

[Gail1967]

Genes seems to be the trigger for lots of people- I’m exactly the same but that just leaves more questions than answers!!! I’m hoping to get more insight from being referred to a specialist in this area and understand why. It would be great if they say “just give this up” and you will be safe!!!