I’m keen to return to cycling after a HA and stents fitted?

Any advice from those who have gone through a similar experience.

[RufusScamp]

A friend of mine was encouraged to cycle after a mild heart attack, but your GP/ cardio team are the best people to advise. They will have the details of your condition.

[Scout2017]

Assuming your cardologist says it's okay... Enjoy! Build up slowly, and consider using a heart rate monitor to help avoid overcooking it, think about circular routes so you're not too far from home to start with. Going fast in the fresh air on quiet roads is great therapy.

[Kev51 in reply to Scout2017]

I had a cardiac arrest last June and spent 4 days in ICU.I did a slow daily build up of waking and because I’ve got arthritic knees after a month I got on my wife’s electric cycle so there was help there from the start.I’ve got an Apple Watch to check my heart rate.I now do three 20 mile rides a week and rarely use the pedal assist.I’m looking forward to the better weather and will be back on my road bikes

[Orangepeel60]

I had a heart attack and 2 stents in 2018 at 60years. Before I was a 100+ miles a week cyclist. The cardiologist told me not to ride or lift weights for a month. Only walk.After the month I was back on the bike. Slowly at first and wearing a heart rate chest strap as Cardiologist told me not to got to my Max any more.

Within 6 months I was back to where I was with my fitness.

I have to admit that I enjoy my cycling more now that I am not pushing all the time.

Take it easy and let your body recover. Getting back to what you love is part of the healing process.

Regards

Neil

[Bob5446]

I had a heart attack last December with a stent fitted. My cardiac team were happy for me to start cycling again. I am slowly building up fitness again but have been told not to over exert to the point I wouldn't be able to speak a sentence. I too have got an electric bike now to help myself if needed and find cycling a great way of destressing and keeping fit.

[BlackEnfield]

I had a stent fitted in December, did the six week cardio rehab program and then after consulting my rehab nurse, started a ‘couch 2 5K’. Around week 5 of C25K I started going out on my mountain bike on my rest days. I use a chest strap monitor linked to my phone mounted on my handlebars to discourage me from working too hard, which I think I could do, more easily than when running. I was pretty active before my stent, and feel I’m making good progress in my recovery. Take it easy, don’t rush, and check with your nurse and enjoy getting back on the bike.

[fixedrider]

Agree that medical advice is central. I had a double bypass in mid 2019, and the cardiologist who discharged me was happy for me to do anything (in due course). I've been racing on Zwift for my club, so pushing it as hard as I can. I still come nearly last (no miracle change there then), so that's probably not as hard as some mind.