Heart attack recovery

Diogenes

Any guys out there still riding after a heart attack? I suffered an attack just over 2 months ago and had two stents fitted. In addition to the intervention I am on various drugs including anti platelet and beta blockers, the latter a very low dose as my resting heart rate is fairly low to start with. This has all come out the blue for me, I dont smoke, dont drink much, have exercised regularly for years, eat a fairly healthy diet and have a low blood pressure and fairly low resting heart rate. I am a tad overweight but far from obese. Got back on the bike for a short 10 mile gentle run keeping my heart rate less than 126 and thoroughly enjoyed the spin but looking to getting back to club runs of 60miles plus.

D :?

de_sisti

How old are you?

Diogenes

De Sisti wrote:

How old are you?

52

D

aw1808

Hello ,

you just ned to take it easy and build up the miles . I had a heart attack at 30 playing football (semi pro so it was a good level ) . I took up cycling as my form of exercise as i was told it was good for the heart and got the bug big time !

I went with advice from my doctor but built up mileage from being able to do 10 miles to start with to just finishing my 3rd exmoor beast at silver standard this year . I ride most weekends and ride a 60 or 70 most weekends now . I have no ambition to race but enjoy a sportive now and again and enjoy the cycling .

I invested in a garmin and watched my heart rate ( im on the same drugs as you ) and only ever did what i felt was ok and did not push myself for the first 6 months but just build up a level of fitness again . Im not a doctor but i always went on what my body was telling me , if i was tired i didnt ride and when i joined a club and started on club runs i went at a sensible pace to start with and built up my speed and distance na ddidnt try and go hell for leather ! I used to go with the sloer group and at the cafe stop if i felt ok i would go into the mediumgroup and as it went on tried to hang on with the quick group.

Because i was new to cycling i didnt have a pace i used to do ,so never tried to get back to what i could do before .

Im certain you will be ok with a bit of time but the doc is important in all of this !

ColinJ

Yikes - I hope you make a good recovery!

Does your family have a history of heart disease? It doesn't sound like you had most of the usual risk factors.

Alex_Simmons/RST

We coach the occasional cardiac rehab patient. One of our coaching team has a research background / specialises in this area and has access to suitable test facilities and cardiologists.

In most cases you can come back pretty well if done with care and taking things very steadily. But absolutely must have good medical advice before tackling any exercise regime.

aw1808

I had a family history and cycling was the best thing i could do due to the steady heart rates , granted im now in a position where im looking to train in the winter months but it has taken me 3 years to get where i am now( trying to find an interval programme for the turbo ) and feel my body and heart are now fine .

I have had the sign off that im all good from the doc but after what was a recration thing has now turned into a full time obsession ..... now its time to shift the weight and learn to love climbing !

Diogenes

Thanks folks, seems like a slow recovery is the way to go. I have done a couple of rides of 15 and 21 miles, all on the flat and keeping my heart rate ave around 115. The desire to chase down someone ahead of me takes some resisting as does the urge to jump on the back of a chain when they come hurtling past.

Interestingly the exercise regime the rehab folk have me doing is reawakening muscle groups which have been sleeping for years and I actually feel better for it. The regime certainly works up a sweat.

I have set myself a target of the dragon ride next May so hopefully I can build back up to full fitness and get back with the sunday club.

D