Weight Training After a HEART ATTACK!

[azjeepstud1965]

Hello Everyone. I'd like to know if anybody has been in this same situation. I'm new to the site and about a week after I joined I had a Heart Attack. I was having one for 4 days but it took 3 trips to different hospitals before they figured out what was happening. I thought I did too many chest flys if you can believe that. Anyway, the deal now is that I'm restricted to Cardio ONLY for the time being. It's been 2 months since the attack. I now have a stent in my heart to hold the the artery open. They say I'll be able to start lifting again really soon. The problem is, I'm a little nervous and in the 2 months of just cardio my body has gone to, well, shit to be blunt. My legs look good but the rest of me is shrinking and who knows how much strength I've lost in the last 2 months. I'm 44 years old. I weighed about 165 at the time of the attack. I'm not a huge guy, 5' 6", by any means but I was looking pretty good and on my way to getting bigger when all of this happened. I'd like to hear from anybody that has been through this. I'm going to look like a wimp when I go back to the gym and try to lift weights. Any encouragement from members who have experienced this would be greatly appreciated. And by the way, I'm' doing just fine as far as the heart condition goes. I never did cardio when I was lifting. I thought lifting was enough. Thanks

 

[Big_BK]

Sorry that this happened to you bro. But there is one thing i DO NOT want going on in this thread and that is medical advice. You lift when YOUR doctor tells you that you can. A heart attack is very serious and i would hope internet advice (good or bad) will not persuade you against your doctors wishes.

 

[azjeepstud1965]

Great advice buddy. I don't plan on lifting until I'm given the all clear. What frustrates me is that I'm going to look like one of these guys that just got a new gym membership when I do go. You know the type. My body still looks OK but I won't know how much strength I've lost until I actually pick up some weights and try to do it. I know it will be a slow start but the good news is my body is a "quick responder" when I do lift. The not smoking part is rough but I'm not going to visit that ever again. In time I hope to be bigger, stronger and just all around in better shape than before this happened.

 

[joe d]

i dont know what kind of replies are comming but dont do anything without knowing from your doctor it is ok. talk with him to see what and how much you can do. and also what kind of diet and vitamins you should be on. scary shit.

 

[Big_BK]

I wouldn't worry about that bro. A heart attack is a pretty significant thing so i would worry about being healthy first then lifestyle second. The only thing i can think of if they do allow you to work out is you probably can't exert yourself like you used to before due to your weakened heart.