Returning after a heart attack.

[Lordy]

Hi all

I'm a forty year old male who trains in Shotokan Karate. Six weeks ago I suffered a heart attack. I would like to return to training and wondered how long I would be looking at in going back? Started rehab this week and it went well. Any advice/tips greatly appreciated.

[wagnerk]

The best group of people to inform you about that is the medical professionals (GP, consultants, etc) who you're under...

[mal103]

Yes, seek medical advice, although a lot of them play easy by telling you not to do anything strenuous so you end up doing nothing.

I would say - after speaking to your doctor - speak to your club and ask if you are okay to gradually return, either start with going through the motions slowly or taking regular breaks. I'm no expert but would suggest keeping active may help prevent heart attacks unless it's a medical condition, but keep everything to a gradual pace.

Having a attack must be scary stuff so take it easy!

[Lordy]

Thank you. Appreciate your answers.

I'm following all advice given me [exercise/diet/medicine/resting etc] and started rehab this week. Rehab's going well.

Everyone relating to my treatment have been excellent, although I get the impression that they don't want to commit themselves when I ask about a return to Karate, which I can understand. The only one who has was my rehab instructor this week, who says he can't see no reason why I can't return at some point.

Once again, thank you.

[sensei8]

If its possible, training will be there, meaning that the training can wait; it's not going anywhere. Obeying the doctors and the like is tantamount and getting better is paramount over training, imho, for now.

Hopefully, the doctor(s) and the like, when the time is right, will give you a clean bill of health, thereby allowing you to return to the floor.

If not, life will go on. It'll be not easy at first, if ever, to get use to the fact that your MA training might be over. Nonetheless, if you have to give up which you love with all of your heart and soul, you'll still be alive, and with your loved ones, family and friends!!

Please don't rush it, take time to heal!!

Good luck, and you'll be in my thoughts and prayers!!

[Lordy]

Thank you Sensei8.

Great post and so true. Obviously I would be gutted if my MA training, which I love, is over, but would take solace in the fact that I will be around to watch my children grow up.

I found this an uplifting post, and really appreciate your kind thoughts.

[hammer]

I know of someone who returned to MA after open heart surgery. He avoided a heart attack (think he just had some angina and shortness of breath when the blockages were found). Have not seen him lately but the last time I did he was doing very well.

Unless the heart attack was severe with lasting significant damage I'd think that a return to physical activity would be a good thing. You may not be able to do as much but I'd hope that your Dr. would say no to any MA workouts.

Hope you recover well (and quickly if possible)...

[Lordy]

Thanks Hammer

Long story short my heart attack lasted three days [i'm lucky to be here. It's given me a totally different outlook on life]. As a result I had a fair bit of damage to the heart. I'm seeing the heart specialist next week, so should know more then.

I started cardiac rehab last week, which is great, and just what I needed. It's twice a week and lasts for three months. Spoke to the guy in charge of my program about returning to Karate at the last session. He said he's going to look into it. I know it's a long road, but I'll see where it takes me.

[bushido_man96]

Best of luck in your recovery. I would assume that physical activity is going to be recommended by your doctors. The question is going to be at what level of intensity. That is where the concern for Karate training may come into play, at least early on. If your docs tell you to keep the intensity level low to start out with, then you might be looking into walking instead of Karate for the time being. But as you build your heart back up, then you will possibly be cleared for higher levels of intensity, leading you back to Karate.

So take your time, and see where the path leads you. Think of it as training in perserverance. And please keep us posted on your progress!

[Lordy]

Thanks Bushido man. Will keep you posted.

I've been doing loads of walking. Went on a good walk today, and was pleased with myself at the distance covered. Rehab has been a great help, and I actually look forward to it. Some great guys there, and when you're spending a lot of time at hospitals and doctors it's a great release.

I do see it as 'a training in perseverance '.

'Down seven times, up eight.'