Weight lifting and heart disease

[Lizty]

I joined a Keep Fit class for over 60s recently and discovered it was actually a Weight Lifting Class! I have cardiovascular disease and AFib, so am not sure if this class is right for me. My CVD is moderate and AF is relatively controlled. The lowest weights are 5 kilos which I seem to manage ok... but read somewhere that even that is a bit high for those with heart problems. Has anyone else some knowledge of this situation? Thanks.

[Hatchjd]

I am 67 y/o F and had 2 stents in 2019 following NSTEMI. I take a 45 min strength class 3 x week. I have been doing this for several years now and have slowly built up the weights and routinely use 5 kg weights and higher with no problem. My class is mixed ages and my gym is very good at modifying exercises to be appropriate for each person. Please chat with the trainer and I am sure they can work out an appropriate routine. You can buy 2.5kg weights if you want to start lower and I find using 1/2 finger weight gloves a great help for grip. I am much lighter, fitter and stronger than I have been in years.

[Lizty in reply to Hatchjd]

Thank you Hatch..... very reassuring. Three times a week sounds good.... guess building that kind of routine into my safe retired life is almost as scary as weight lifting!

[Yumz199725]

I have always been told that I must not lift weights of any kind because it would raise my blood pressure and they really don't want that especially the pressure it would put on my leaky and narrowed valve. I would ask your consultant first about it, I did before joining a gym couples years back and they said aslong as I did treadmill and exercise bike and only went for an hour at a time and take breaks in between days then I would be fine x. Everyone's different but I think for your peace of mind would be good to get some advice first so your not putting yourself at risk! 👍🏻

[Lizty in reply to Yumz199725]

I think the idea of rests and breaks is excellent. Not sure if blood pressure would be an issue in my place (low to normal mostly) but will keep it in mind and monitor with smart watch. Thanks!

[Wingnutty in reply to Yumz199725]

I wouldn't dream of questioning your consultant for a minute, but I know from my own measurements at home that any form of exercise raises blood pressure, whether it's strength or cardio. From articles I have read, they state that the temporary raise in blood pressure is worth the increased risk because it leads to lower blood pressure over the longer term. I had a 4 x CABG and aortic valve replacement back in 2013 and now suffer from angina, but I have been asked by my consultant to exercise and just not over do it.

[Hrty]

Hi, I go to what the call Phase 4 cardiac rehab at out local specialised rehab centre. Weights are part of the exercise sessions, either class or independent, which are alternated with cv exercises (bike, treadmill, rower, etc). I don't do really heavy weights as such, depends on which machine I go on, as it's more about repetition and strengthening than brute strength. At times the instructors have told me to increase them slightly. We are all different so our ongoing fitness regimes need to be tailored to suit us, if you are worried it might be worth having a chat with your GP, Cardiologist (if you have one), rehab nurses or try and find some sessions that are targetted at heart patients. Thinking about it we used light weights at the phase 3 hospital rehab - the size and use increased as we moved through the programme. I'm 65. Best of luck

[Lizty in reply to Hrty]

Thank you… that all makes good sense. I will see my cardiologist in January so will check with him. I notice some people use light weights and I did so yesterday and felt the benefit in terms of stretching and flexibility - so that was good.

[Pouchielou1972]

It's dependent on your individual condition, so best to check with your cardiology team. I've weight trained for years prior to my hesrt condition diagnosis. I checked with my heart failure team and they were happy for me to weight lift, as my condition was stable. I'm not allowed to lift as heavy as before, but I still lift reasonably heavy.

[Lizty]

Really reassuring. Thanks and will get full advice as soon as I can. Been doing plenty of heavy duty gardening… need to check that too!