After experiencing a heart attack, it’s common to be hesitant about engaging in any activities that increase heart rate. You might think the best course of action is minimal activity and rest. However, not only is physical activity following a heart attack safe, but it’s the best thing for your heart. Keeping physically active is an important part of recovery and overall health following a heart attack. Here, the cardiovascular team at Richmond University Medical Center offers insight into post-heart-attack exercise and how to do it safely.
Physical Activity Following a Heart Attack
In the days after a heart attack, it’s recommended to move the body and engage the muscles. For this reason, doctors will instruct patients to walk as much as possible at a leisurely pace before they are discharged from the hospital.
Once a patient returns home, a sensible approach to exercise is the best course of action. Patients should gradually extend exercise time as they feel stronger. A slow and steady approach is going to be most beneficial for patients as they attempt to recover from their heart attack.
What Exercises to Do After a Heart Attack
Exercises following a heart attack should focus on rebuilding endurance and stamina, rather than strengthening muscles. Different kinds of exercises that can benefit patients as they recover from a heart attack include:
- Walking: Start by walking for five to 10 minutes a day on flat ground, and gradually increase to 30 minutes over several weeks.
- Cycling: Patients can attempt to ride an exercise bike a few weeks after their heart attack.
- Swimming: Patients may be able to exercise in a pool six weeks following a heart attack but should avoid very hot or very cold water.
- Stairs: A person recovering from a heart attack can try climbing stairs slowly, and then gradually increase the number of stairs and how quickly.
Before performing any type of physical activity, patients should first speak with their medical provider to ensure the exercise is safe and suitable.
Warning Signs You’re Overexerting Yourself
Recovering from a heart attack requires patience. To put it simply, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. While it may be natural for some active individuals to want to jump right back into exercise following a heart attack, pushing too much too soon may be dangerous.
Patients who are overdoing it will display the following signs:
A Familiar Feeling
The feeling of a heart attack isn’t easily forgotten. Individuals who overdo it during the recovery process may experience similar symptoms, such as chest pain, tightness, and discomfort. These warning signs are the body’s way of telling you that you’re pushing too hard.
Shortness of Breath
It’s normal to lose a step or two following a heart attack, which is why patients should slowly reengage in physical activity. If a person is more winded than usual while performing familiar movements, it’s usually a red flag. Gasping for air is a telltale sign that one is overdoing it and can be dangerous immediately following a heart attack. Remember, an effective workout doesn’t need to result in not being able to catch your breath and doesn’t mean going until you physically can’t anymore.
Fatigue
Exerting physical energy makes even the healthiest individuals tired. However, those who’ve recently experienced a heart attack should be careful. Feelings of exhaustion may indicate the body isn’t ready to handle the amount of physical activity it’s being asked to do.
Lightheaded or Dizzy
Feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness are a bad sign under any circumstance. This is a sign to rest and limit physical activity.
Heart Attack Recovery at Richmond University Medical Center
When attempting to exercise following a heart attack, it’s crucial patients listen to their bodies and not disregard the signs. The more a patient listens to their body and does not overdo it, the likelier they will be able to return to full strength.
Given the severity of a heart attack, recovery is critical. Everyone recovers at a different pace, usually depending on a person’s health, their activity level before the attack, and the amount of damage the heart muscle sustained. A personalized cardiac rehabilitation plan can help patients make a full recovery and return to their active lifestyles.
We provide patients with comprehensive services to prevent and treat cardiovascular conditions. Our cardiology physicians work with patients who have recently suffered a heart attack and educate them on the exercises they should be doing. We also have a Comprehensive Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center to assist individuals with their post-heart attack recovery. Contact us today for more information on how to safely exercise after a heart attack or to schedule an apportionment.
