Swimming in cold water after HA

[Stamford1]

Hi

I suffered a heart attack October last year, one stent fitted and on the usual cocktail of medication, is there a rule of thumb on what water temperature is ok to swim in? Heard varying opinions on how cold water should be avoided.

Thanks

Jon

[Prada47]

Hello John

My Cardiologist told me

Don't push a Car. Don't go out in Snow or Cold Weather and Don't go out in the Wind and on no Account Shovel Snow the last one was emphasised Don't Shovel Snow !!!! If you think it's Cold don't go In, I think Swimming Pools are kept around 80 o F and more importantly the Air Temp is a minimum of 2 o F above the water temperature !!!

In the English Channel the water temperature can vary from 59°F (15°C) at the end of June, increasing to 64/65°F (18°C) by the beginning of September. It is extremely important that you are accustomed to swimming in temperatures of 59°F and below comfortably before contemplating a channel swim. Train in temperatures around 15°C.

Hands Face Space and don't Swim in the Channel to Stay Safe LOL

[Stamford1 in reply to Prada47]

Thanks for that, cant see me ever really wanting to take a dip in the channel anymore! Was thinking the med or Indian ocean when able!

Thanks again

[Prada47 in reply to Stamford1]

Go to Bintan great for Sea swimming !!! like a luke warm bath.

Hands Face Space Vaccinate

[Stamford1 in reply to Prada47]

Sounds good! Can't get over the Maldives sea temperature, luke warm bath too 👍

[tunybgur in reply to Prada47]

I was told heart attacks were synonymous with three things: In the early morning, after a heavy meal and in cold weather.....so don't go swimming in cold water on a winters morning after a full English breakfast.....simples.

Good luck

[Edwen_]

When you go into water your heart needs to work harder due to the water pressure whatever the temperature. It depends what you do in the water in terms of exertion. It’s best to avoid strenuous activity in water if you have a heart condition.

[MountainGoat52]

I think the answer is to dip your toe in and see. I had a HA and stents in 2017 which improved my circulation considerably. The following year I had a triple bypass. I have had no issues swimming in the sea in the UK and during the one holiday we have had abroad since my HA, the Med certainly felt great and I was in for longer than I had been previously.

I would say that there is minimal damage to my heart and I am reasonably fit. I consider myself to have been "fixed" and don't usually think of myself as having any issues..... hence why I suggest you try it and see how you go. ☺

[Electricbike]

Hi, I used to be a cold water swimmer before my HA (may 2019 - 1 stent), winter too! But now I only swim in summer and usually with a wet suit. And sometimes a rash vest too. Not sure if I'm being sensible, but I do miss the cold water. This probably isn't helping you!

[Heartinthehills]

Hi Stamford1. I was advised not to swim for 3 months after my incident. I was a regular at the local pool twice a week until then. Went back to my previous swimming regime as soon as I could and now a bit slower but still OK in normal pool temperatures. On occasions when the pool heating failed it was a bit more of shock to the system and took 5-10 minutes to 'warm up' and swim normally. You will just become breathless in colder water and will need to take it slow and steady till you acclimatise. I also swim in the sea but save that for mediterranean holidays.