Finished cardiac rehab and asked nurse when can I begin running. To which response was negative as running was not part of my previous life before heart attack+bypass and would put undue stress on heart.
Stick to walking and cycling was the advice...should I take heed or begin running?
That's puzzling advice, and completely contrary to what I was told on my cardio rehab course!
On my course all the participants were given a personal maximum heart rate, plus we were taught how to measure our heart rate via our pulse. The directions were to get up to a certain minimum heart rate and then maintain that for 30 minutes at least five times per week, but never to exceed our maximum heart rate.
How you got up to the minimum heart rate-swimming, running, cycling, brisk walking, exercise machines, etc-was entirely your choice.
I thought as much but will see what consensus is here...and I have been referred to local active exercise program at the gym so will seek another opinion.
I have been treated similarly, even that I was a very active person before my bypass surgery and heart attack. I was baffled like you, but after 8 weeks of recovery of my heart attack, I have started back again on my fitness program, keeping in mind, as long as I can talk, I can 'walk, cycle, swim, run, nordic track, climb etc'. I just think, as long as I feel good during and after, I should not have anything to worry about. You have to start living at some point.
That's very strange advice. As Chappychap said, I was also told what my max allowed heart rate was and told to get out there and get moving - what I did was up to me!There's a few people on here who have taken up running after a heart attack, one has just completed the Anglesey Half Marathon a few weeks ago having taken up running in lockdown. I'd certainly get the views of the gym when you start on the program.
That Sir is superb advice. Thank you so much
At end of my rehab-post HA and bypass- they were quite happy for me to move to couch to 5k. I had been running regularly before. GP was also happy. I used a treadmill to help with confidence. Have built up now to 10k and saw my consultant last week who was v happy. Key thing is take it gentle. Why not check with your GP?
Hi DonMega,
I was a runner before my HA. After rehab I was advised to try and keep my HR below 80% of max using the formula 220 - age x 0.8. At 73, for me that's just below 120bpm.
I use a heart rate monitor and find 120 max still gives me a good workout at the gym (8 years since HA now), but I would confirm this is ok with your consultant first.
Also, I don't get up at dawn and run 5 miles like I used to, apparently heart attacks are associated with early morning, cold weather and heavy meals....e.g. don't clear the snow off the drive just after a heavy breakfast!
Also, listen to your body, it gives you lots of cues when you're overdoing it!
Good luck
"don't clear the snow off the drive just after a heavy breakfast!"
Even though I live in the UK I'm originally from Canada. I believe heart attacks while shovelling snow off your drive is the single most likely trigger event in Canada!
The rehab nurses are so cautious- when I did mine we had a fitness instructor too & he would always knowingly wink at me when the nurses said stop running!!! At the end he thought it was perfectly ok to run in short stretches- increasing as my heart rate improved. I’ll never be a distance runner but a mile or 2 to get the heart pumping makes me feel good! Just take it steady- watch your heart rate & stay in your bodies limits.
Bizarre... Running was not part of my pre-CABGx4 regime but is part of my cardio rehab programme.
I have nearly completed couch to 5k with the blessing of my amazing cardiac rehab team. They talked me thru it and gave me advice and tips on how to do it safely. I am two years post heart attack and stent. I have really enjoyed the challenge and am looking forward to completing my last three runs next week
Thanks all for your feedback
I really don't know what to do
Am I kidding myself.... 
Have I Really Got Heart Insufficiency?
Am I unwell or not?
am i being paranoid
