Abdominal exercises in cardiac rehab?

[KirstyDC300]

Hi,

I’m 4 wks post stent and HA. I have cardiac rehab online and can start the strength exercises. It’s all upper body so far. As I’ve been so inactive my back muscles are weak and I was wondering if it’s possible to do core strength work to support the back. I don’t want to start doing crunches if it’s not safe. Does anyone know if it’s ok?

[Andyman]

Ask you cardiac nurse. They are there to answer your questions.

[Alison_L]

I agree with Andyman, we don't know your general level of fitness, so can't give you an answer. Your rehab physio is the best person to ask as presumably they've assessed you?

[KirstyDC300 in reply to Alison_L]

Thanks both. We’ve had one chat so they know I used to like walking. When I googled it there wasn’t much info but there was something about avoiding abdominal exercises that increase thoracic pressure. I thought there may be a generality like ‘not usually recommended after a HA’ or ‘usually these are introduced later in the programme’. I guessed there must be some system to work through but it doesn’t matter I have another phone call in a few weeks I can ask them. In the meantime they have a good online programme I can get on with. Thanks for replying.

[HenryTudor in reply to KirstyDC300]

I’ve relied entirely on walking and have read this is good for core strength. I actually managed to have a telecon with my rehab centre and the nurse was happy enough.

[Tessie28]

Kirsty, give it time. It is too early for that IMHO. Ask your rehab nurse. At 4 months post AVR no way would I do crunchies. Yet I am following the programme and walking at least 6000 steps per day. x