Heart Attack Recovery: How to strengthen your heart after heart surgery? Experts share the right exercise routine; must read
- bySudha Saxena
- 01 Jun, 2026
After a major heart attack or heart surgery, such as bypass/angioplasty, life feels like a new beginning for the patient. However, regular exercise is crucial to strengthening the body, especially the heart, after surgery. But what exercises should be done after heart surgery? When should they be started? And what precautions should be taken? Many questions arise. While proper exercise can strengthen the heart, improper methods can also pose a significant risk. So, let's explore what health experts recommend for a speedy recovery.
Like any other part of the body, heart muscles can only be strengthened through exercise. Exercise is essential if you want to keep your heart strong. Therefore, neglecting exercise after a heart attack is like inviting another heart attack. Therefore, it's important to know which exercises to do and when after a heart attack.
How many days after a heart attack should one start exercising?
It's important to consult your doctor about how long after a heart attack you should exercise. Exercise also depends on the treatment for the heart attack. According to experts, you should reduce your activity from the first week to the sixth week. This includes walking for two to three minutes. This amount can be gradually increased. Aim to walk for 30 minutes five days a week. Additionally, daily physical activities like cleaning, gardening, etc. should be done gradually for 10 minutes.
What exercises can I do after a heart attack?
There are many easy exercises to do after a heart attack. These include yoga, Pilates, and stretching. After your heart attack treatment, start the exercises mentioned above, but increase your exercise time gradually.
It's important to take a short walk after recovering from a heart attack. Start by walking for 5-10 minutes daily to build up your stamina without putting too much stress on your body.
In addition to taking a short walk, do breathing exercises daily. This will reduce stress and keep your heart calm.
If you had surgery, do some gentle stretching of your arms and shoulders for 1 to 6 weeks afterward. This type of stretching keeps your upper body active and relaxed.
To maintain proper blood flow from your heart to your feet, do heel raises daily. This will strengthen your legs and increase blood flow. If you need support while exercising, use a chair first and then do this exercise.
If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing while exercising, stop exercising immediately and consult a doctor.
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