Mailbag: Physical Activity After Heart Attack [FIX the Fear!]
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 31, 2023
“My wife just had a heart attack a month ago and is living in fear. I feel like I can’t get her to do anything. She’s constantly afraid of having a second one.
Should she be afraid? Is it safe to resume normal activities after a heart attack?”
-Roland from Palm Springs, CA
Hi Roland,
Many folks will be running scared from ghosts and goblins tonight. But in MY book, few things are more frightening than a heart attack.
That’s why I can understand ANYONE having hesitation to exercise after experiencing one. It’s a perfectly normal reaction.
Many people lose confidence in their bodies after a major health scare.
However, in general, gentle exercise can actually strengthen the heart and aid in recovery when done carefully under medical guidance.
If you’re afraid of physical activity after a heart incident, it’s important to talk with your doctor about those fears. Your doc can devise a plan for easing back into exercise that’s appropriate for you.
Ask about a medically supervised cardiac rehab program. These programs help folks safely progress through activity levels tailored to their specific needs. Having expert oversight can build confidence.
In the past, when helping heart attack patients get back to exercising, I’ve typically advised several things…
- Start very slowly and at low intensity. Even a daily 5 to 10-minute walk is beneficial. Build up gradually over weeks or months. Initially, avoiding straining or breathlessness can keep your fear under wraps.
- Focus on breathing smoothly and maintaining good posture during movement. Proper breathing techniques help manage stress levels.
- Stick to low-impact activities to start: walking, stationary cycling, water aerobics, or stretching. Higher-impact activities can come later when confidence levels are higher.
- Exercise earlier in the day. This avoids fatigue and provides time for rest and recovery if needed. Stop if you feel dizzy or unwell, even if you suspect it’s caused by anxiety.
- Have a buddy along for encouragement. It helps many people feel motivated and
- Celebrate small wins. Note the exercises you can do now versus a week ago. Give yourself credit for each forward step.
The key for many folks is to create a sustainable routine that steadily builds on their activity level while avoiding overexertion.
And remember, patience and being kind to yourself (or your loved one) during recovery is a vital part of becoming healthy again.
P.S. “Bedroom Secret” could reduce post-heart-attack death by 35%!
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.
View More Free Articles
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...