Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

[ApBa]

Two weeks ago I had a heart attack and cardiac arrest which left me with some heart damage. I have not yet started cardio rehab but I have a Fitbit and have noticed when walking for more than 5 mins my HR goes above 100 . My resting HR for the past 5 days is 48. I don’t feel breathless when walking but wondered if this is normal.

[Hidden]

Hello

So sorry to hear what you went through

Your resting heart beat is good and when we are moving our heart rate does get higher , maybe try walking slower for now and even though you are doing the right thing walking take it easy do not try and run before you can walk as we say it has only been two weeks

I am sure when you go to the Rehab classes it will be a huge help and you will get a lot from them

[Gibson01]

I had HA with Cardiac arrest 5 years ago. I was blue lighted into hospital , had stents fitted to left and right arteries and was home within 3 days. From memory, for the first few weeks afterwards I was weaker than I thought, and would tire easily just from conversation and short walks. I would echo the advice given by BeKind28. For me, rehab classes did not start until about two months , but by then I had recovered a lot of my previous fitness and found it very easy.

Be kind to yourself and don't push too hard just yet!

[fishonabike]

i am sorry that you are left feeling concerned about your heart rate rising when you walk, but hope that the info from BeKind and Gibson has reassured you - in addition you may want to check the info on the BHF site: bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

In my experience we are much more aware of how our body is behaving after a major health issue and it is always helpful to have someone helpful to turn to, i bet you are glad to have found this forum

[Haresear55]

I agree with the comments of others. I had a STEMI heart attack a year ago. Take it easy and build up exercise tolerance. Waited a month before starting cardiac rehab. In rehab, exercise intensity increased week by week. Felt much better! Decided to restart a cardio exercise plan next week as I have increasing fatigue and shortness of breath. Hope to get a better update on what is happening with my heart health. Take care and keep us informed. We are here for you.

[Hidden]

If you have some heart damage from the HA & cardiac arrest, you really should expect some limitations, at least for a while. Just read tea leaves and give yourself time to recover. Any changes might mean something so you should have a contact in the hospital (or rehab), just call them. My incident 8 years ago left me with some odd racing heart beat for about 2 months then it settled down. The cardiologist will probably get you to do a stress test 6-8 weeks after your HA to see that you have recovered and assess any residual damage (if any).

Your most likely anxious and your patience will be tested just until you get on top of this new reality.

[Zbignieva]

Hi,

My heart rates gets that high at the end of a fast walk if I walk up a hill.

What is normal depends on how physically fit you are.

The cardiac rehab team will check your METS and give you a range you can exercise within.