How intense should I work out after having a heart attack?

[Guliruf]

I was wondering how intense I should workout after suffering a heart attack. I had a stent put in (98% blockage) last March.  Bought a bike, treadmill, eleiptical, Universal, and a FitBit Force. I'm ready to go....but I don't know how far to go.

[SunsetRunner]

No one here can answer that for you, and I personally wouldn't take any advice on this from the internet (even well intentioned individuals).  This is something I would consult with a medical professional.  Please speak with your doctor before starting any new workout regimine, especially if you recently had a heart attack.

[cmatzes]

Do nothing until conferring with both your heart doctor and your primary physician. Be upfront and honest with yourself and with them about any routine you are wanting to get into. Follow the steps and guildines they give you, don't take advice on something that could be lifethreatning on an internet message board.

[gerrymcd]

Like others said, thats a question for a cardiologist with your case notes open in front of them.

[Colli]

I have had a heart attack as well. I must agree with those who have already posted. Only your cardiologist can tell you how intense your workout can or should be. Each individual is different just as each individual's heart condition is different. Please do not trust input on this topic from anyone other than your cardiologist.

[gerrymcd]

A recent study  showed that exercise after a heart attack decreases the risks of having further cardiovascular issues. However, running more than 30 miles a week (or walking more than 46 miles) appears to decrease the benefits of exercise, to the point that running/walking significantly more than 30/46 miles wipes out the benefits.  According to the study too much exercise can be as risky as not doing any after a heart attack.   This conclusion was surprising, and not intuitive.  We tend to think more exercise is better -- but this might not be the case after a heart attack. That said, running close to 5 miles a day, every day is enough to make the majority of people feel they are getting enough cardio.

As always, discuss stuff like this with a cardiologist before making any changes to your exercise regime. 

[Colli]

That is interesting.

I am sure that heart to heart and heart-attack to heart-attack, there are
numerous variables to be considered by the cardiologist. Things like age,
weight, permanent damage done by the heart-attack to the heart, blood
pressure, general overall physical condition, personal individual history,
smoker vs non-smoker, etc.

I know that I had what is commonly referred to as a massive heart attack.
According to my cardiologist, 40% of my heart is what he considers as
non-functioning and that portion of my heart will never rebound. He
recommended 3 months of carefully supervised recuperative training and
rehab after my heart attack. During that training I was being monitored via
a "Walking" EKG by a specialized cardiovascular trainer and an RN. This
took place 3 times a week for 1 hour using 3 different machines and light
free weights.

I was doing really well for awhile but then I got lazy. Now I have to
regain lost ground. I hope that the FitBit device gives me the impetus I
need to get into better shape. We'll see. Today is actually my first full
day with the FitBit.

--
*The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.*

[gerrymcd]

Ouch!  Sounds like you had a pretty close call.  Good to hear you have returned to your fitness improvement plan.  I hope you manage to stick with it!  Good luck!  

[Colli]

--
*The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.*

[Pat_M]

Hi,

I also have major heart health problems including having 8 stents and a quadruple bypass and three previous heart attacks.The first thing I suggest you do is talk to your Primary Care Doctor and also your Cardiologist, they can give you all the information in regards to how much you should exercise. You also might ask them about any Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs that might be in your area, these programs are great because they get you started safely on an monitored exercise program.I attend one myself and it has help me to know what my exercise limitations are. In regard to home exercise, I let my body dictate the level of exercise, by that I mean I exercise to a comfortable level and when I start to feel uncomfortable with excess breathlessness or any other discomfort I stop. I would advise you to do the same.

Hope this helps in some way. 

[Colli]

Thanks Pat.

--
*The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.*

[Pat_M]

My pleasure I have and still am in that position,  anything I can do to help or support let me know. Take it steady and keep up the good work . Please feel free to add me as a friend if you would like too for support

[josephz2va]

Have a Polar strap and watch on the ready and keep your BPM on Fat Burn range (Intensity Level 1) or lower. High cardio and Maximal Performance should be limited and as advised by your doctor and cardiologist. Be sure to go to Settings / Training Settings / Zone Lock (Zone 1).

Make sure you're eating as your doctors advise as well which would be limiting bad foods that have ultra-high cholesterol like Eggs.

[Jacky1957]

Hi Gul,

I had a triple bi pass mitral valve repair and a Stent almost two years ago. I felt like a king after the surgery. Today since I abused alcohol and cigarettes and gained almost 45-50 pounds I feel like garbage. I know after my Cardo rehabilitation my cardiologist told me I could work out my heart rate not over 120 bus or under 50 bps. Today I am alcohol and cigarette free. My problem is my diet and nutrition. Before my surgery I weight 180 after I weight 159. Today I am weight 209 210 at a very dangerous weight leval. In your case don't take any advice from anyone on the Internet consult with your cardiologist good luck

[Colli]

Thanks for the feedback. I too have quit smoking. Drinking is not a problem (maybe 5 or 6 drinks in a year). Eating is a huge problem (The only foods I enjoy are bad for me . . . ie. If it tastes good, spit it out because it must be bad for you). The ideal weight for me is around 172 - I currently carry about 245. Had a massive heart attack (and all necessary repairs) which almost got me. That incident is what prompted me to quit smoking cold-turkey after 53 years of being truly stupid and self-indulgent. I have been through cardiac rehab and was told by my cardiologist to never push through any chest pain or breathing difficulties at all. Considering the permanent damage my self-indulgent life-style has done to my ticker, I can't complain about restrictions. Of course I'd like to see quicker progress but when you are 67 years old, have a faulty ticker, and 73 lbs overweight, progress more or less has to come slowly . . . I just need to remember that!