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exercise for heart patient
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #12814
52 days ago
87

exercise for heart patient - #12814

Aditya

I am really worried about my dad lately. He’s a heart patient and just got back from the hospital after a mild heart attack. The doctors said exercise for heart patients is essential but I'm not sure what to do. Honestly, he’s been pretty inactive since then, and I'm afraid he’ll just get weaker. We heard that even simple walks can help, but he says he doesn’t feel up to it yet. It’s frustrating because I want him to be healthy but I also get he's scared. I think the doctors mentioned something about supervised exercise for heart patients, but does that mean he needs to go to a gym or can we do it at home? I read somewhere that exercise for heart patients should start slow, but how slow is slow enough? What if he starts feeling dizzy or something? I guess I am just looking for some guidelines or recommendations for safe exercises for heart patients. Like how do we know when he’s ready for more? Any tips on how to motivate him? I don’t want him to feel overwhelmed, but I also don’t want him to miss out on what could help. Any advice would help a ton!

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Doctors’ responses

For your dad, returning to physical activity after a heart attack is an important part of recovery, but it has to be done carefully. Supervised exercise typically refers to cardiac rehab programs run by medical centers where he’s monitored by professionals trained in heart care. If he hasn’t been referred to one, you might want to ask his cardiologist about that option. At home, starting slow is key. Short, gentle walks lasting 5-10 minutes a few times a day are a good starting point. If walking outside feels too daunting for him, even walking around the house can be beneficial. The “slow enough” pace is one where he can talk comfortably without getting breathless. It’s important he listens to his body – if he feels any discomfort, dizziness, or unusual fatigue, it’s a sign to pause and reassess. Any symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, or feeling faint, it’s best to stop immediately and contact a doctor. Progressing with exercise can be gradual. Once he feels more competent, increase the walk duration by a couple of minutes every few days, as tolerated. Gentle exercises like light stretching, or balance work, can be added for variety. Motivation can be tough; creating a routine or accompanying him can help. Emphasize how these steps are in line with his health goals. Keeping a simple journal of his activities might help to gradually build confidence. Ensure hydration and gradually increasing activities will keep them safe and build progress. If you’re ever uncertain about his readiness or notice worrying signs, a check-in with his healthcare team is always worth it.

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