Cycling after heart attack

[Steeler]

HI there, I had quite a serious heart attack three months ago and a had a stent inserted. Recovery is going well although I now have to take a shed load of meds every day for the rest of my life.
I intend to get back to a level of recreational cycling and the cardiac unit is OK with that, just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation and may have some advice.

 

[The Crofted Crest]

Yep. Heart attack, open heart surgery, five bypasses. Cycling is fine. Only problem is if I pedal too fast for too long (above 30 km for 15 minutes), my heart beats so fast it tries to break my ribs. But the answer is simple, just slow down.

 

[Steeler]

Yep. Heart attack, open heart surgery, five bypasses. Cycling is fine. Only problem is if I pedal too fast for too long (above 30 km for 15 minutes), my heart beats so fast it tries to break my ribs. But the answer is simple, just slow down.

Thanks for that. Yes, speed won't be on the agenda, just want to get out in the fresh air again.

 

[ianrauk]

What does your doctor say?

 

[ColinJ]

DVT/Pulmonary embolism for me, times two!

The first time had me in hospital for 9 days, then bed rest for another 3-4 weeks. After that, I was starting to walk again.

It took me weeks to be able to walk more than a few hundred metres, and that was slowly on the flat! I built up the distance and speed until I felt able to face the steep local hill. I was gradually able to walk further and further up it. Once I could get to the top, I started walking faster. Eventually, I could walk up there really briskly. That was about 8 months after my stay in hospital.

I then felt able to cycle (slowly!) on flattish roads. A month or so of that and I started riding up hills again.

I had a relapse a few months later after being taken off my meds, so I am now back on them for life.

My second recovery was much quicker because I was treated before the illness did as much damage as the first time. I was able to carry on cycling at a very easy pace until my breathing improved.

That was back in 2012/13. I would say that my limits are now about 25% down on what they would otherwise have been. That leaves plenty for fairly long strenuous rides as long as I am sensible and don't push myself too hard.

Short version (!):

• Good luck with your recovery!
• Listen to your doctors
• Listen to your body
• Build up slowly
• Stretch your limits a little, but don't try to smash them!

 

[derrick]

2 stents fitted a few years ago, doctors put me on 4 pills a day, all i take now is asprin and statins, did a 50 mile ride a week after having stents fitted,my wife had a right go at me, but when i saw my doctor i mentioned it to him, he just said listen to your body.don't push to the limits anymore, but still do a few rides. at 72 i am slowing down a bit anyway.

 

[PaulSB]

I had a heart attack and stent fitted in, I think, 2015. I truly can't remember. I still take, and will for life, Atorvastatin, Aspirin and Losartan. I can't say it bothers me unduly.

Listen to your body, listen to the medics and steadily increase your riding. There is no reason why you shouldn't return to full fitness. The crucial thing is to listen to your body!!

Good luck.