Can I do Couch to 5K while in some pain? - British Heart Fou...

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Can I do Couch to 5K while in some pain?

Wooodsie profile image
6 Replies

63 years, 12 stone, always felt fit and active till I got angina :(

Now doing couch to 5K as I can't see any specialists during this lock down. I'm on week 5 now and feeling better but I still get some background pain and use my spray. Should I keep going?

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Wooodsie profile image
Wooodsie
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6 Replies
Midgeymoo17 profile image
Midgeymoo17

Nobody on here is qualified to give advice over the Internet. However, I understand your dilema (sorry my spelling is very bad). If it were me, this is what I think I would consider:

1) Does what I am doing comply with all guidance I had received to date?

You should have been given some advice when your spray was prescribed. If you received no advice at all then I would maybe give your GP a Phone call. Angina is a common condition that most GPs will have had experience with.

2) If not and you still wish to continue, maybe drop back a week or two to make it easier and so you have no background pain just whilst waiting for advice/ further tests.

I am also slowly working my way through C25K (normal exercise is swimming - and my diagnosis is different) but there is a big step up at the end of Week 5 in the physical demand that may be inadvisable. If you choose to step back a bit, the really most important thing is to keep the pattern of exercising 3 times a week as that will make returning so much easier. You may find background pain disappears with slower progress through plan as the jumps will not be so demanding.

Wooodsie profile image
Wooodsie in reply toMidgeymoo17

Thank you Midgeymoo17, I didn't get any advice from anyone. It seems the first move is to prescribe the basic medication and then do all the investigations before coming to a confirmed diagnosis. I was part way through the process when lock down happened, so I'm in limbo and on hold - that's fine.

You give good advice, I will maybe repeat a week rather than move on as expected, that can't harm.

I can't spell either 🤷‍♂️ I blame the phone and my thumbs 😂😂

Kristin1812 profile image
Kristin1812Heart Star in reply toWooodsie

Sounds good advice, to take things more slowly, until you can exercise without pain. For ‘pain’ I’m reading ‘angina’. Cardiologist told me that angina was to be avoided, it’s a sign your heart is straining, and that’s not a good thing. Use your spray to reduce angina, and use pacing better to stop it happening.

Wooodsie profile image
Wooodsie in reply toKristin1812

Thank you Kristin. Yes angina pain, but not too serious (when I first had it, it was v painful).

I will do as both you and Midgeymoo17 say a d take it down a peg.

Kristin1812 profile image
Kristin1812Heart Star in reply toWooodsie

That sounds like a good plan. I’ve learned over time, that if my HR goes over 130 I’m v likely to get angina.

Let us know how you get on.

Wooodsie profile image
Wooodsie in reply toKristin1812

Mine too :(

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