Running after a heart attack?

[iain-strachan]

A friend of mine is recovering from a minor heart attack - has had one operation to put a stent in and will soon have another similar operation. He's doing OK and is back at work. I'm a little concerned because he saw my C25K posts on Facebook, and noticed how much better I looked for it, and wants to do it himself (has downloaded the BBC app).

I'm wondering how safe it is to start doing the course after a heart attack? Does anyone have any experience of it? I did say make sure you get the OK from your GP before starting, and maybe also just do a few weeks of brisk walks before attempting to run.

I must admit I didn't check with my GP on doing the course till I was in week 5! But then I haven't had a heart attack - only high blood pressure which I'm on medication for, so it's under control and pretty normal thanks to the meds.

What do folks on this forum think? Is there anyone in a similar position of doing the course after having had a heart attack and surgery?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Iain, even if I were medically qualified, I would not give the okay to your mate, third hand, over the internet. He needs to consult those who know his medical history.

Others here have run after similar procedures, but everyone is different and it is a decision for the individual and his trusted experts.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

With anything like that we always recommend a chat with a health professional. Consultant, doctor or specialist nurse. They will know the person and have all their medical history, so will be in the best position to advise. Usually they are happy but it will all depend on his own recovery timeframe. He might have to wait a couple of weeks before starting. The best thing to do is point him in the direction of asking someone. I'm sure even if he can't just yet it will be less time than you think until he can.

[iain-strachan Graduate]

Thanks for the comments - I was not seeking clearance for going running, but interested to know if others have done this and what is their experience. I've already told him to make absolutely sure of getting OK from the GP.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to iain-strachan]

Take your point..but I think as everyone's case will be so, so different, their experiences will be different too

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

As IannodaTruffe says. and Realfoodieclub ..most definitely tell him to get the go ahead or not.. from the folk in the know

[Theziggy Graduate]

Just saying what everyone else is, it is imperative that they get cleared by their GP to run.

[SarahB1965]

I had a heart attack last weekend, had angiogram and was told I could walk the parkrun course this weekend and then start the C25K programme from scratch to build up to where I was. I have been running a few months and ran parkrun 3 times in the last month. My advise would be for your friend to check out what his cardiology team think - it will be based on his health and progression