What physical activity can I do after a heart attack?

Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 05 Dec 2004 - 12:00 PST

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The type of physical activity you can do after a heart attack depends on

-- how severe the attack was, and

-- how much damage has been done.

This article comes from the Canadian Health Network

Talk to your doctor about the best option for you. Your doctor will probably start you on a light physical activity program, which you will gradually increase to a moderate level.

Cardiac rehabilitation

Ask your doctor about cardiac rehabilitation programs in your area. These are designed to help people with heart problems reduce their risk of a second heart attack, and improve the overall quality of their lives.

Cardiac rehabilitation includes:

-- Counselling and information about your condition

-- A supervised exercise program

-- Information and counselling for changing your lifestyle

-- Nutrition information

-- Programs to help you stop smoking and control high blood pressure (if needed)

-- Emotional and social support.

Sexual activity after a heart attack

Heart attack survivors often worry about sexual activity after a heart attack. Their fear is that it may cause another heart attack. In reality, this rarely happens. Most people who have had a heart attack can go back to their normal sexual activity after a recovery period. See your doctor if you have any concerns.

Some medications for angina, high blood pressure and other types of heart disease can impair sexual function. Talk to your doctor if this is happening to you. Other drugs may be available that you can use instead.

For more information on any of these issues, ask your doctor. Or, contact your local Heart and Stroke Foundation. You can also refer to Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living.

http://www.canadian-health-network.ca

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