Let's take a walk!

The Importance Of Walking After Having A Heart Attack

Is walking beneficial for HEART PATIENTS?

Going on walks after you have survived heart attack may come across as a challenge at first, however, an early morning walk is good for your heart. Before beginning a new fitness routine, always make sure you consult with your doctor first. Walking is a fantastic way to address high blood pressure, hypertension, heart attack and stroke risk because this activity strengthens the heart and generally improves cardiovascular health.

How long after a heart attack can you exercise?

Approximately 10 days after a heart attack most people will be ready to start gentle physical activity again. The key with exercise after a heart attack is to start slowly, do something every day and gradually build up your level of activity. The Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland organization has several helpful suggestions in their article about exercise following heart surgery!

Lynette Evans who owns “The Cardiac Bear” - (a special made, tightly stuffed teddy bear that is used as a splint device for open heart surgery patients) says “We’ve found that many hospitals encourage open heart surgery patients to walk around the nurses’ stations and in the hallway while recuperating from surgery when still in the hospital."

Can walking cure heart disease?

Aerobic exercise, such as walking, can boost heart health. Getting regular exercise not only reduces a person's risk of heart disease, it can increase the chance of survival if a heart attack does happen, compared to people who aren't in very good shape, according to Dr. Chip Lavie's CBS News interview. Dr. Lavie is the medical director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention and director of the Exercise Laboratories at the Ochsner Clinical School in New Orleans.

But, that’s not all!

Here are a few reasons why someone should opt for walking as one of the important activities after a heart attack:

Better recovery from a heart attack or other heart problems

Minimized risk of more heart problems

Improved long-term health

Increased energy level

Weight management support

Improved cholesterol

Lowered blood pressure

Managed blood glucose levels

Increased confidence

Tip: If you'd like to keep track of how many steps you take during your walk and throughout the day, check out our selection of easy to read pedometers!

Having said that, are you ready to make walking a significant part of your daily routine?