Safe Exercise After a Heart Attack: A Recovery Guide

Introduction

• Recovery from a heart attack requires a carefully planned approach to physical activity
• Always follow your cardiologist's specific instructions
• Stop exercise immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness

Phase 1: Initial Recovery (First 2 Weeks)

Gentle Activities

• Short walks (5-10 minutes)
• Light stretching
• Ankle pumps while seated
• Shoulder rolls

Guidelines

• Exercise 2-3 times daily
• Keep intensity low (able to speak comfortably)
• Rest between activities

Phase 2: Building Strength (Weeks 3-6)

Recommended Activities

• Longer walks (15-20 minutes)
• Light resistance exercises
• Stationary cycling (5-10 minutes)
• Basic yoga poses

Monitoring

• Track heart rate
• Use RPE scale (1-10)
• Stay within prescribed ranges

Phase 3: Increasing Endurance (Weeks 7-12)

Advanced Activities

• 30-minute walks
• Swimming
• Low-impact aerobics
• Resistance training with supervision

Safety Measures

Warning Signs to Stop

• Chest pain/pressure
• Unusual shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Excessive fatigue

Important Tips

• Warm up and cool down properly
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise with a partner when possible
• Keep emergency numbers handy

Long-term Maintenance

• Gradually increase activity level
• Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise
• Regular check-ups with your cardiac team
• Maintain exercise log