MAILBAG: Exercise AFTER a Heart Attack?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 21, 2023
“My wife had a heart attack a few months ago. She’s sitting around and doing even less than she did before.
I’m a regular reader and know you’ve mentioned moving is important for heart attack patients. What are some safe things she can do to keep moving? How much should she move?”
– Rob from Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Hi Rob,
I’m sorry to hear about your wife.
It’s vital that heart attack patients talk with their doctor before starting any exercise program. Their physician is the most familiar with their case and will understand their capabilities.
It used to be common to have people rest after a heart attack. But we now know folks recover QUICKER when they move.
Keep in mind that depression is quite common after a life-threatening event like a heart attack. Suddenly you have a sense of your own mortality, and you can develop a lack of confidence in your body.
In other words, exercising can be hard when you fear your body might break again.
But once the doc has given a thumb’s up to exercise, ANY movement is a positive step towards full recovery. Research shows maintaining or increasing your activity after a heart attack can help you live LONGER.
In fact, one study found that heart attack survivors who exercise for 2.5 hours a week have a 39 percent lower chance of dying from ANY cause.
Simply walking around the house, taking the stairs, or stretching is a great place to start. The time spent exercising and the intensity of the workouts can be gradually increased as fitness and confidence grow.
When you’re helping a loved one recover from a heart attack, I recommend picking out activities they enjoy that don’t even feel like exercise. Perhaps suggest a walk in the woods, shopping, or taking a road trip to see friends or family.
There’s no rush. Just keep moving. In this case, slow and steady really DO win the race.
P.S. THIS bedroom secret is crucial for your heart health and can LOWER your risk of death post-heart attack by 35 percent. HERE’S what you need to know.
Source:
“Physical Activity and Mortality among Male Survivors of Myocardial Infarction.” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 52(8):p 1729-1736, August 2020. | DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002309
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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