Thoughts on swimming?

[Foxly]

I am 60, I had an acute STEMI in December ( 2 stents) having had no problems prior to this, my rehab seems to be going well - I walk 3 or 4 mile walks each day and have never had any chest pains. Swimming is the only sport I like and have ever been any good at. Prior to this ( and Covid) I would swim once or twice a week ( 1km each time). I have read with dismay all the warnings on swimming risks due to water pressure, cold water etc.

I want to resume regular swimming, I went today for the first time and did my usual 1km without feeling any ill effects (I took the slow lane) and would hope to have a splash in a cold sea on UK holidays this year and when possible to indulge in both swimming and snorkeling ( on the surface) abroad in future years, but dont want to take unnecessary risks.

How have other people who are further ahead than me found it - does your body tell you if you are doing too much?

Thanks

[cornflakes1789]

Hi I had a stent fitted four years ago and a second last November.. after first stent some doctors said no golf for six months and when having dinner with the doctor who put in the stent a few days after he said no problem after a couple of months.. so difficult to get the right advice ..,after second stent I have been swimming three or four times a few weeks after stenting doing gentle 500 metres and stopping occasionally if my heart rate gets too fast... great way of exercising moderately and I am too old to run...most opinion says it takes about six months.. check me out here...for the stent to become completely integrated into the artery and if you did not have a very skilful placement you may have had some bedding in pain which can feel worrying.. basically after four months swimming should be fine but DO NOT push it.. if you are on blood thinners you can get brain bleeding from strenuous exercise so build up your training slowly and stay within reasonable bounds ... even when you are back to full strength be careful going flat out.. horses live for forty years... race horses twenty years.. high blood pressure takes its toll sheer stress on major arteries etc. I used to swim for health reasons now I love it .. I am fitter now at 74 than I was in my fifties.. shocking cold water is another question stick to swimming pools until you get more info or feel confident in braving outdoor UK swimming..

[Foxly in reply to cornflakes1789]

Thanks

[Hidden in reply to cornflakes1789]

What do you mean “too old to run “. I’m 81 and hope to continue running.

[cornflakes1789 in reply to Hidden]

You are right young man age is just a number.. went swimming today 300 metres enough for me.. three or four times a week.. five months since second stent feeling very good from moderate diet but mainly the swimming and I cycle a little most days.... nowhere to park anyway and now I prefer it.