If you have a heart attack, doctors should have final approval over when you begin exercise or other physical activity as part of the recovery process. Various medical experts note the value of cardiovascular exercise for the rehabilitation of heart attack survivors as these activities increase the heart and breathing rates, strengthen the heart muscle and, in the end, lead to heart health and fitness, all important to your recovery.
Stress Tests
Before you begin any exercise following your heart attack, doctors typically will order stress tests to gauge your readiness for physical activity, according to FamilyDoctor.org. This usually entails walking on a treadmill as electronic devices monitor your heart rate. Results of the stress tests help doctors and physical therapists determine the initial intensity of your exercise treatment plan.
Walking
Walking is among the cardiovascular exercises benefiting survivors of heart attacks, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Within the first two days of your heart attack, doctors typically have you walk around your hospital room or hallway. Depending on results of the stress test, doctors may prescribe longer walking or jogging exercises as you regain strength.
Swimming
Medical professionals often prescribe swimming as a means for cardiac rehabilitation, according to the American Heart Association. Swimming provides aerobic exercise that works out the large muscle groups with a lower impact to the body than running or other vigorous activity. It's important that you already know how to swim, however, to avoid extra stress on the body and heart.
Cycling
Cycling -- either on outdoor road bicycles or indoor stationary exercises bikes -- offers another means of aerobic exercise for heart attack rehabilitation, according to several medical websites. Much like swimming, cycling provides cardiovascular activity with lower impact to your joints during workouts.
Resistance Training
Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that resistance training -- weight lifting and other weight bearing exercises -- typically may be prescribed later in the rehabilitation process after you regain strength. This type of exercise helps restore muscle strength and halts muscle loss during the recovery process. Most patients begin with a few repetitions each day and gradually build up to heavier weight with increased repetitions -- all under the guidance of doctors as lifting excessive weight places strain on the heart.
Everyday Activities
A number of medical websites note the value of everyday activities in providing rehabilitative exercise. Activities as simple as working in your garden, sweeping your floor or walking up and down small flights of stairs provide exercise when you return home.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Heart Attack: Getting Back Into Your Life After a Heart Attack
- American Heart Association: Physical Activity
- Net Doctor: Exercise, heart disease and high blood pressure
- The Herald News: HEART ATTACK RECOVERY: Exercise program helps patients bounce back
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Exercising Safely After a Heart Attack
- American Heart Association: The effect of swimming on patients with ischemic heart disease
