Cardiac Electrophysiologist Questions Cardiology

What exercises are good after heart stent surgery?

I had heart stent surgery 2 weeks ago. What exercises are good after heart stent surgery?

4 Answers

After heart stent surgery, it is essential to gradually ease back into an exercise routine. Here are some exercises that may be beneficial:

1. Walking: Start with short, low-intensity walks and gradually increase the duration and intensity as tolerated. Walking is a low-impact exercise that promotes overall cardiovascular health.

2. Cycling: Stationary cycling or riding a bike outdoors can be an effective and safe option for cardiovascular exercise. Begin with shorter durations and lower resistance levels, gradually increasing them over time.

3. Light strength training: Engaging in light resistance exercises using machines or bodyweight can help improve muscle strength and overall fitness. Focus on major muscle groups, such as chest, back, legs, and arms, but avoid heavy weights or straining yourself.

4. Stretching: Incorporating regular stretching exercises can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation.

5. Cardiac rehabilitation: Enrolling in a cardiac rehabilitation program supervised by healthcare professionals is highly recommended. These programs offer tailored exercise plans, education on heart health, and support for lifestyle changes.

Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine to ensure it aligns with your specific recovery needs and medical condition.
Walking is good. You should talk to your heart doctor for further guidance
Every patient is different from the stand point of complexity and severity of blockages in their heart arteries, whether they experienced any complications after stunting, any residual blockages that haven’t been stented or bypassed, any ongoing decreased blood supply to the heart muscle, whether the ste ting was associated with heart attack, what is patient’s pumping function of the heart, are there any other problems with the heart such as significant valve leaks or stenoses/obstructions, irregular heart beats, any complications at the site of the skin and blood vessel puncture, etc.
Therefore, every patient should receive clear guidance regarding exercise following coronary artery stenting, and frequently patients may need to have an exercise stress testing (walking on a treadmill), to provide the best exercise advice.

In general, patients should take it easy for a couple of weeks, engaging in a low level activities, such as walking on level terrain while staying away from heavy lifting. Then, gradually increase your activities, primarily through aerobic exercises.
You do need to have your cardiologists approval and guidance before you engage into any gym workouts, weight lifting, or other types of structured exercise.
Cardia Rehab and Aquatic Therapy.