Body massage

[David-66]

I had a heart attack 8 weeks ago, a stent was fitted and I’m on meds and current exercise by walking 5-6km a day. What timescale after such a heart event is it safe to have a fully body massage at a spa?

[Comfycousin1]

Oh good question. I'd like to know too 😀

[PinkKizzie in reply to Comfycousin1]

Hi Comfycousin1, please see my reply to David-66 re: massage. Take care.

[Comfycousin1 in reply to PinkKizzie]

Thank you

[PinkKizzie]

Hi David-66, I had a word with my cardiac nurse who said it's not advisable for anyone with heart problems to have a spa treatment, especially if you have fluid retention as a massage can move the fluid towards your heart. Also, I think you will find a spa will not entertain you due to insurance. Hope this info helps. Take care.

[David-66 in reply to PinkKizzie]

thanks for the feedback

[Comfycousin1 in reply to PinkKizzie]

What ever? I had a heart attack and a stent fitted a year ago.

[Miocardial_1 in reply to Comfycousin1]

I’m nearly at 2yrs post HA and x2 stents (I’m 45yrs old). I was told that I cannot have a massage. This is due to the meds/bruising/heart rate increase etc. Sorry 😢

[David-66 in reply to Miocardial_1]

I have a stent fitted surgeon stated heart is not damaged. Meds I have for blood thinning are low dose aspirin and Ticagrelor to prevent clotting. Also on statin and blood pressure tablets.

Thanks for your advice.

[Miocardial_1 in reply to David-66]

I’m on the same meds . I was told no damage too. I guess like the others have suggested speak to your cardiologist. I guess options will always differ slightly depending on the cardiologist.

Good luck 😊

[Taviterry]

Depends also on the meds. I'm on anti-coagulants and am aware of a higher risk of bruising or internal bleeding from massage. Not that I was aware of this for several months after my heart valve was fitted, and there was no bruising that I could see. I have a couple of friends who do excellent massages and I remind them of the need to be gentle. A professional masseur/masseuse should check any health issues and medication before treatment, and may ask for a GP or other health practitioner to provide a note of approval.

[David-66 in reply to Taviterry]

I’m on low dose aspirin and Ticagrelor to prevent clotting

[56dick19]

hi Iv no idea how long you should wait I would contact the heart nurses. It’s a long time since I had a full body massage at a naturist spa but after Xmas I will be staying at one for a few days

[sandandkev]

Depends if on blood thinners, if yes then apparently you shouldn't have a massage

[David-66 in reply to sandandkev]

I’m on low dose aspirin and Ticagrelor to prevent clotting

[Jedi14]

I think you need to slow down mate! After my stents, I had 8 weeks of cardiac rehab, a slow gradual build up to "normal strenght". Even then I had crashed in winter time-back in hospital for short stay.

Prior to stents I thought it was like having a tyre change and back in the fast lane, it was never like that.

[Coffeelover2]

They weren’t going to do it on Rivaroxaban blood thinner unless I got an email from the doctor saying it was ok. If you are on blood thinners, they should go softer as you may bruise easier.

[David-66 in reply to Coffeelover2]

I’m on low dose aspirin and Ticagrelor to prevent clotting

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I had severe heart failure and I was on the transplant list, I went to a spa and they refused to do a massage, when I went to clinic my consultant said there was absolutely no reason that I couldn't have one, so I did after his confirmation that it was fine. I was on entresto and the other usual heart failure tablets, I have had a couple post transplant as well. Char

[David-66 in reply to Thanksnhs]

I have a stent fitted surgeon stated heart is not damaged. Meds I have for blood thinning are low dose aspirin and Ticagrelor to prevent clotting

[pasigal]

You should ask your cardiologist. I unfortunately am forbidden from hot jacuzzis (warm OK) and saunas -- and I did love a good sauna! I would think that eventually a massage should be fine but maybe not at 8 weeks. But again, definitely ask!

[David-66 in reply to pasigal]

unfortunately the earliest appointment I have post emergency Stent operation in Greece to see a Cardiologist in the UK is August 2025.

The Greek hospital advised my heart is fine, just a blocked artery which required the Stent.

I am on aspirin and Ticagrelor to prevent clotting and meds for BP and cholesterol , although my Cholesterol is now sat at 0.98.

Total diet change so no processed food, alcohol, snacks, takeaways or high fat foods and everything meal is cooked from scratch with loads of fruit, veg, nuts, beans, wholemeal rice or pasta.

Walk 5-6km a day for exercise and doing all the right things until I can see the cardiologist.

The spa is not booked until Jan 2025. Sounds like I have to put my life on hold until I can get the NHS referral in August

[pasigal in reply to David-66]

If you really want a spa treatment you could always go to a private cardiologist. August 2025 for a follow up is really not right. I sympathize.

[nextadventure in reply to David-66]

David, based on what you've written about your situation, a light to moderate massage will be absolutely fine (get the ok from your GP). You may get a bit of bruising, but not more than you might doing some gardening or manual work around the house. Hot tubs - just keep the temperature around 37 (body temp) or lower and don't stay in too long. My husband has had 3 stents, is on similar blood thinners to you, and gets occasional hypotension (low blood pressure) if overheated - but he has massages and spas. We are both retired GPs. Ridiculous and sad that you can't see a cardiologist for so long under the NHS. But you have to live life. There are plenty more dangerous things than a massage.

[David-66 in reply to nextadventure]

thank you for the reply and advice. Much appreciated.

[Qualipop]

Your ticagrelor will probably be stopped after 12 months. I would wait until then. I would also say it's a bit early to be walking quite so far. Keep it short and gentle until you've had your rehab course. Let your heart heal.

[David-66 in reply to Qualipop]

Thanks for the feedback

[Ellie-Ann]

I would ask my GP about same first.

I’ve got stable angina and A Fib. Awaiting second cardioverdion. My cardiac nurse said that a monthly acupuncture and a monthly body massage is fine for me. I’ve been doing same for three years on apixaban bisoprolol Tardisc XL with no problems. Ask your cardiology nurse. They know what’s what. Good luck.