Heart attack

[macco1954]

I've recently had a heart attack, & had a stent fitted, I'm a fit 62 year old & been informed by people in the know that I'll be able to ride again in about 4 or 5 weeks. Obviously I wont be up to a 40 or 50 mile Sunday club run initially, so can anyone tell me roughly how I go about building up my mileage safely, how long this should take & if I should inform my club officially?
Many thanks, Mark.

[georgew]

I've had two heart attacks, both on the bike and have had two Stents fitted. My Consultant, a young hot-shot fellow, advised that I resume my normal cycling routine as before and I spent two weeks off the bike before starting cycling again.
Best to ask the Consultant who treated you and fitted the Stent given that they deal with this problem on a daily basis. The GP and the specialist nurse responsible for after-care were much more cautious even though I was walking four miles a day two weeks following discharge.

[Mike Sales]

First, a statutory warning.
Advice, especially on the internet is worth what you pay for it. You should consult your doctor. Not all doctors understand cycling and cyclists, so this needs to be factored in.
A couple of summers ago, following a series of mini heart attacks which I did not recognise as such, I had a triple heart bypass operation. For some time after that a couple of other problems, including a repeat hip replacement, prevented exercise. So my body was at a pretty low ebb.
This spring I managed to get back in the saddle. I began with very short runs, perhaps two three Kms. I still keep gears low and concentrate on spinning at a decent rate. I have gradually worked up to 54Kms. (yesterday, feels great). I am helped by being in the Fens. It is about 15Km. to the nearest gradient that isn't manmade!
My advice is, take it easy, keep the build up slow and the gears low, and do talk to your doctor. I must confess I have not done this. My experience is that he is useless.
I have only just started using a heart rate monitor. The results are alarming, if I took them seriously. I reached 190 bpm, and sustained 140 or so. This without much exertion and no heavy breathing or distress of any kind.
I take a variety of pills, so maybe one of them is reponsible for the odd hear rate. A friend has a stent and takes beta blockers. I don't.
I don't suppose this is a lot of use, do talk to the medics.

[eileithyia]

I would say as Mike above. I have friends who have had a heart attack, turned their lvies around, taken up cycling and started time trialling.
Build up gradually, as with any illness where you have had time off the bike.... and discuss with your consultant.

[[XAP]Bob]

Talk to your doctors, tell them how much you usually ride, and if needed ask if you can talk to a colleague of theirs who cycles (since they'll understand that aspect better)

[tyreon]

When you show an interest in yourself and your health condition you may be half way there. Remember,a lot of people don't...either thru resignation,fear of doc knows best. Go with questions and don't be afraid to ask them,a progressive doc should be able to address them,and answer them civilly(this was not always the case: we/docs know what's good for you/don't ask questions. They would not take that attitude if you were a private patient) Maybe it's good to go with a partner. Maybe,also,take a tape the meeting. Why? Just to record docs words/answers that you might overlook,not hear at the time. All the above stuff I have mentioned used to be traduced and viewed with suspicion by the docs(well,some of them)but now open and engaged and progressive practitoners welcome this stuff: it also keeps them on their toes. Of course,you don't have to do any of the above,it's just how you feel,whether you take in all that the doc says,or your memory is that good,or that you know what questions you have to ask him/her,and can remember to ask him/her at your appointment.
Have faith in yourself. And I'm sure the younger docs are better than what they were(better interpersonal skills)
That interest in yourself and your own well being adds a lot to your better outcome.
Best wishes

[macco1954]

Thanks for the advice, my consultant is a young man & answered all of my questions. I dare say he'll be wanting to see me at some stage in the near future but for now I'll put my fears to the specialist nurse at the re hab group.

[Kevinrt]

A lot of hospitals offer cardiac rehabilitation sessions after a heart attack. This can include sessions in a gym under the supervision of an exercise physiologist. It would be good to find out if this is available in your area.

Kevin