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
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...
Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?
We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...
Mailbag: "Digestive Drama" Strikes MILLIONS Over 50
“As an older woman I’m noticing changes in my digestion. Why does it become more difficult to digest food as we get older?” —Grumbling Gut Age-related changes to digestion are common, and they don’t get talked about nearly enough. It seems our stomachs decide to alter the rules just when we’ve mastered the game of...