Physical activity is important in the recovery of a heart attack so it’s best to start exercising gradually.
I RECENTLY HAD A HEART ATTACK. CAN I START EXERCISING AFTER I AM DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL?
Physical activity will help you to recover from a heart attack. It will improve your ability to use oxygen. It will build up your stamina, confidence and improve the feeling of well-being.
Furthermore, it will prevent you from dying from a heart attack. It is normal for people with recent heart attack to feel nervous to start exercising. You should start exercising gradually with light activity at home such as sweeping, cleaning the house and light gardening as soon as you feel fit and able.
Walking is a good exercise after a heart attack. You may walk on a flat route at a slow comfortable speed. Start with five to 10 minute walk. Gradually, increase the duration and distance.
After two to three weeks, you will be able to walk longer distance. Avoid walking up a hill, or in a hot or cold environment. In some heart centres, after being discharged from the hospital, they will offer a cardiac rehabilitation programme for three months. This is an opportunity to exercise in a safe and supportive environment.
I HAVE A PACEMAKER IMPLANTED IN MY CHEST. IS IT SAFE FOR ME TO EXERCISE?
Wait for sixweeks after the insertion of a pacemaker. Do not do strenuous activity or lift objects above your shoulder, especially on the same side of the pacemaker, to prevent the lead from moving out of position.
You should avoid contact sports too such as football, rugby and judo because there is a risk of damaging the lead of the pacemaker. Discuss with the cardiologist when you want to start exercise – a stress test may be required to see heart rate response to exercise.
In some situations, swimming may be not suitable because it is not able to stimulate increased heart rate. Most of the time, moderate intensity exercise (e.g. brisk walking) is usually safe for most people withpacemakers.
Ensure you have adequate warm-up before activity and cool down after it.
I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH HEART FAILURE. WHAT IS THE BEST EXERCISE FOR ME?
Heart failure is a condition where the ability of heart to pump blood for the body is reduced, during rest or during an activity. The symptoms are usually breathlessness, swollen ankles and feet or tiredness.
Exercise will improve stamina, quality of life and mental well-being for patients with heart failure. Discuss with your doctor if you want to start exercising.
Walking is a good activity to start with. You may start by doing light household activities or just moving around house. Gradually increase the frequency and duration with more rest periods.
Stop any activity and seek medical attention if you have any symptoms.
An avid sportsman who believes in the healing powers of exercise, Assoc Prof Dr Ahmad Taufik Jamil is Universiti Teknologi Mara’s public health consultant and exercise physician. Reach him at atjamil@gmail.com.