Re-hab: I had a heart attack 7 weeks... - British Heart Fou...

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Re-hab

mozo128 profile image
10 Replies

I had a heart attack 7 weeks ago and have had several follow ups, all have gone well, I have had one cardiac rehab meeting but no assessment. I want to start to push myself and am currently only walking as far as exercise goes, i have up to the distance from one mile walks to three mile walks over the past two weeks. When can i start to run or cycle.

None smoker, no previous health issues, previously gym 5 days a week, never done drugs and seldom drink

BTW I am 47 years old

Thank You

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mozo128 profile image
mozo128
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10 Replies
daveofpensby profile image
daveofpensby

Talk to your rehab team they’ll give you some advice. Don’t rush it take your time as they say Rome wasn’t built in a day

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

We are all different with different heart conditions. Talk to your rehab team. Mine gave me a set of A4 sheets with home exercises whilst a friend was given a DVD.

Artyhearty profile image
Artyhearty

Hi, I'm 42, 9 weeks since my heart attack, and health wise in a similar position to yourself.

Firstly I'd say contact your cardio rehab team to find out what are your safe limits to work within.

I've had 3 cardiac rehab sessions and am still not to run or cycle, or at least not at a speed which I would deem to be doing either!

My rehab team have me working at a rate which keeps my heart rate at 110-130 bpm which is essentially a quick walk where I can hold a conversation whilst exercising but just be slightly out of breath.

The way it was put to me was to think that you need to stay in 4th gear now and forget about 5th!

I've been adding resistance instead, such as adding steeper hills into my walks, carrying light weights etc but still staying in the 110-130bpm. At home I include sit to stand for 5 mins, step ups for 5 mins, squats, bicep curls (light weights), wall push ups (2 sets of 15) as per rehab advice. There are BHF rehab classes on YouTube to give you ideas.

Speak to your rehab team before you do anything but it's all about working in the safe zone and not over exerting yourself.

Andyman profile image
Andyman in reply toArtyhearty

Interesting. My heart beats at about 44 resting. For me to do 110 I would be flat out running. I was told as you were to walk fast enough that I was breathing harder but still could hold a conversation. But never given a heart rate level.

Artyhearty profile image
Artyhearty in reply toAndyman

My resting rate is around 60 bpm so I guess it all equals out!

mozo128 profile image
mozo128 in reply toArtyhearty

Thank you I will check out you tube for rehab, I am sure the teams at the NHS are under the pump currently.

russino1 profile image
russino1

basically what Artyhearty says :)

i’m 45 and 5 weeks ago had a HA. i’m upto 50min walks and feel i could easily do more.

i haven’t had a rehab session but did have a telecon with them last week.

i’ve been told to build up slowly. they don’t want me to start working anaerobically. i need to keep between 85-115 (i do push the upper end when going up some inclines!). important not to do to much, to soon.

slow and steady wins the race :)

Changeling43 profile image
Changeling43

I had a heart attack and stent fitted 3 weeks ago and have just had a DVD delivered with rehab exercises. They work on 6 levels that you build up gradually over 6 weeks or so. You can get the exercises on you tube also and you certainly shouldn’t push yourself. Take your time and allow your heart to get used to it and in a year with the right diet and lifestyle you can be back to 5 days a week at the gym. Good luck.

Andyman profile image
Andyman

I was told to walk from day one. I gradually added more distance and got faster and faster. Eventually I was walking up hill one day and just started running. So I started then. But this was 6 months after I had finished rehab. Don't be in a hurry you have time in front of you. Not everything had to be rushed. And remember we are all different as has already been said, so what's good for me may not be good for you.

Pablo317 profile image
Pablo317

Mozo- listen to your body we are all different. I had a major heart op (mitral valve) and was back playing football, badminton, swimming and walking within 6 months (age 69). I chose to push myself to tiredness but not discomfort. My path was to do small increases all the time. My support team said this was fine. The rehab activity can be done in the lounge - I still do it when bored. See what the professionals say but don't be frightened to push yourself sensibly. Best wishes_Pablo 😎⚽️🍷

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