I had a heart attack about 8 days ago.
I had an angiogram and had 2 stents fitted.
Was discharged from hospital around 3 days ago.
Was always walking dogs around 3 mile, and ran 3 mile twice a week.
Was wondering when I would be able to start the dog walking again? As I know the running will be a bit to early just yet.
Your recovery time depends on your personal health, age etc etc etc . Your cardiac team should have advised you before discharge so I’d expect the best thing is to get hold of them and ask.
If your cardio team have not already given you guidelines on the first stages of your recovery then, as already suggested, you are best served by contacting them. Longer term you may be offered cardio rehab by your hospital which will cover lifestyle measures to take you forward, including exercise, all to reduce your ongoing heart health risk. This seems to be about 6 weeks or so from your discharge but may vary. If you have not been told about this contact your hospital, perhaps the cardio department secretary. You could also talk to the BHF Heart helpline nurse for guidance, noting that the BHF run an online rehab course which might be useful to you. But the bottom line is, we are all different, so slowly ramp up your exercise, listen to your body and don't overdo it.
Hey Charcaro
67 and a year since my heart 'event' - 205lbs and 5'7" - one stent later. I was a walker daily and a runner many years before .
A little timeline for you as it affected me.
I was doing a slower walk for 5 minutes after 2 weeks and 10 minutes after 3 weeks then just building up from there to a 1/2 hour fast walk after 3 mos. You of course will have to judge your own progress by how you feel but a short walk with your pup around the yard or for a 100 feet and back after 2 or three weeks is a great place to start. You sound like you've led a pretty healthy lifestyle so your body should kick into gear quite well. I was amazed how fast my body responded to the exercise. Remember, don't push it, when you feel a bit tired , stop for a bit. I walk really fast for 15 then slow for 5 then fast again.... probably seem funny to someone who doesn't know whats going on but hey... its all for me.
* My Dr. told my to try not to judge every little thing. Not sure about you but I became HYPER vigilant and was taking my BP over every little odd feeling. LOL. Went for a stress test after 3 months and aced it. It really helped my confidence that I was handling things correctly.
Even more noticeable was the effect of the meds. They tend to have some interesting side effects. Odd pains from the rosuvastatin (still but livable) and a low heart rate from the metoprolol (no longer on) and candisartin for BP (also no longer on) Clopidogrel ended after one year which was important for the stent to heal properly. Still on apixiban (thinner) and rosuvestatin (colesterol control) with candesartin in the wings if I need it. I do notice a bit of 'looking through a spyglass' effect frequently. A bit odd but less now off the clopidogrel and what little is left, I'm used to it.
BP seems to be maintaining around 118 /68 usually with a low heart rate in the morning (50s) till I have my walk then it gets into the upper 60s or lower 70s for most of the day. Now walking a good 45 minutes at a fast clip but no running for me. Not sure if my knees would forgive me so I don't have the heart to try. Haha.
Hope this answers a few questions for you.
Stay healthy. I'm going to go and eat a cheese crisp.
many thanks Skybeacon.
That is helpful to me.
The 5 mins walking you do at the start, does that include walking around the home? Or is that extra outside walk.
Think I went walking for about 30 mins 2nd day out of hospital.
But think that may have been to far.
Although felt ok.
I will ease of for a couple of weeks and just do the 5- 10 mins you mentioned, and then increase slowly from then on.
I suppose it’s just listening to my body, and chest.
Meds I am on are different to you, but obviously still for the same objectives.
Keep looking forward and thanks again for replying. 🙏🏻
Hey Charcaro. To answer your question...
No... Walking around the home is a bonus LOL. Sounds like you're doing great. I was a lot slower on the 'get-up-and-go' than you but you are probably in much better health than I to begin with.
I Think you are totally on track with letting your body tell you what's ok or not.
Be Well and Happy!
All the best.
Hi sky beacon.
That’s great thanks.
I have started walking for around 15 mins outside. Difficult to avoid inclines where I live.
But nice and steady, and just listening to body.
Always on the move round house, just doing daily things, but no lifting or anything to strenuous.
Hope your recovery is coming along well.
Keep it up and take care.
When I was discharged after my heart attack and with 2 stents and another 2 in 6 weeks, I was told so start walking immediately. First day 400 yards the next 600 on on like this . After a month I could walk about 1 and a half miles. Could I do this with dogs. Never had one but probably not. Take care of your self first. Dogs can come later.
Cheers Andyman.
Yes they have told me 5 mins for the first week and then 10 mins 2nd week. So will continue with that, they say by week 4 i could do 2-3 mile Max. Then hopefully cardio rehab after that.
Many thanks
Take care.
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