Exercising After a Heart Attack
The heart is a muscle and it will become healthier with physical activity including cardiovascular exercises. But what happens when you have been diagnosed with a heart condition or survived a heart attack?
Perhaps, exercise is ill-advised considering the possible adverse effect of strenuous physical activity on your heart. Perhaps physical activity should even be limited to normal (non-strenuous) activities, such as walking rather than jumping or running.
Suffice it to say that if you have heart disease, you should never start on any exercise program without discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Vital for Recovery
Even for people who have had a heart attack, regular exercise is still an important part of their road toward recovery. Studies have shown that heart attack survivors who participate in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programs have lower risks – approximately 25% – in mortality.
Again, never ever embark on an exercise program without the knowledge and consent of your doctor after surviving a heart attack. Your heart may have its limits, which your doctor can discuss with you and your family, friends, and/or caregivers.
Mix of Cardio and Weight Training
Walking is still the best cardiovascular exercise for people with heart health issues for many reasons – it requires natural movements, it consists of minimal activity, and it can be done anywhere, among others. Brisk walking for three to five days a week, 30 minutes each session, is highly recommended.
Weight training can also be included in the workout program but only when it has the approval of the doctor. The doctor will customize your work-out regime based on your age, physical condition, and fitness goals. Avoid strenuous activities as it may cause your heart to give out. Resistance training enhances functional capacity and aerobic fitness, thus, it’s beneficial for heart attack survivors.
Doctor Discussions
Be sure to discuss the following aspects of your post-heart attack exercise program with your doctor. You will then be able to know what is safe and unsafe in your physical activities as well.
- Safe exercises. Be sure to ask your doctor about the types of exercises as well as the frequency, duration and intensity of the cardio and weight training exercises on your program. Keep to the recommendations and always ask for permission to change the aspects of your exercise regimen.
- Changes in medication. Keep in mind that new medications can affect your body’s response to exercise and vice versa.
A word to the wise: Heavy lifting should be avoided at all costs because it can subject the heart to stress that, in turn, can initiate another attack. Even certain types of housework like raking leaves, shoveling snow, and lifting heavy objects can easily tire out heart attack survivors.
The bottom line: Take it easy on yourself until such time that your body and heart can take increased levels of exercise. Take these tips in mind, too:
- Balance physical activity with rest.
- Avoid isometric exercises (e.g., sit-ups and push-ups).
- Avoid exercising outdoors, even indoors, during extreme temperatures, such as too cold, too hot, and too humid since these can interfere with proper blood circulation, movement, and breathing.
Stay Safe!
About Healthpointe
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including La Mirada, which is conveniently located near Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit healthpointe.net.