I'm in the midst of some heart testing and was wondering if anyone here is a heart patient. I want to start exercising, but haven't been cleared to do anything like that yet.

Tell me about your diet and exercise program.

Thanks!

I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure the yr. before I started to lose weight. I had horrible swelling of my arms, feet and legs. But, since losing weight the swelling is gone. I"m no longer on diuretics. Since I have a lot of health issues, the obesity really affected my health. Wishing you the best with the testing. I was told to just walk for exercise and that is about all I am able to do, but it sure works.

Thanks Lilybelle....I think walking is about the best exercise there is! I haven't started yet (waiting for ok from doc) but I want to walk 30 minutes a day at least.

When my Doc became concerned about my weak and thready pulse, he suggested walking ... for starters. Gently and in the fresh air.

Be sure to ask your doc about starting a new exercise. I'm using an ellipitcal trainer for the first time and my doc suggested a heart rate monitor to keep pulse rate within a safe range. I'm finding my heart rate and recovery time are coming down more than my joints are "picking up" - frustrating in one sense but sure makes me feel better about my heart!

I was excited to see your thread as I was looking on this site for someone else with heart issues. In the past three years or so I have had two heart attacks, and after the recent heart attack I had 5 stents inserted. The stents have all since collapsed and although I have completed cardiac rehab, I am still nervous about exercise. I have been cleared to exercise to a safe level that I was taught in rehab. I am new to this site, and hope to hear from you soon!!!!

I can't do to much has I do any physical exertion I get chest pain and then have to use my nitro spray. I have a enlarged heart valve with some mass on it not sure what the right word is sorry. but am going for tests and wish I could excercise as I am trying to lose weight . this is not normal for me as I use to excercise every day for 30-50 mins.

I just went through one of the most scarey experiences of my life. I live in a rather remote Alaska town. I had to be flown out twice by medevac. I am only 32 years old and just had a baby 9 months ago. I had a stress stest, echo, nuclear test, and cardiac cath done. I was diagnosed with mild heart failure and coronary artery spasms. I also have a history of diabetes type 1, hypertension, and of course back, knee, joint pain. I am very thankful to have a second chance and to have caught the heart issue in time to start helping it. I have just started exercise and diet. I walk to the dog(he walks me)..lol...He sets the pace just right to get my heart rate in the zone and he loves to go for at least 30 minutes. My cardiologist recommended either Weight watcher's or Atkins. I used to weigh close to 400 and had used Atkins before but its not working as well this time, of course med changes are a definite side issue. Anyway, hang in there and I'll be thinking of you and wishing you the best.

I will keep you all in my thoughts as we struggle to lose weight with having heart problems. My goal for February is to get on my exercise equipment 3-4 days a week for at least 40 minutes. It's gonna happen!!

well today was the day I went for my stress test and it did not go
well , I was on the treadmill and they told me if I felt not great
that I could stop will I told them that I wanted them to stop but
they asked if I could go for a few more minutes and I said i would try
and then it did not take long and I screamed STOP !!!!! and then they
finally stopped the machine. he said my heart rate is to high and have
to go back to the dr went for all my blood work so hope to get my
results back in a week. was at the dr before this appt today and so
now will have to go back at some point. He also said I should try to lose weight and excercise , I told him how hard it is since I get shortness of breath and plus I have lost 27 pounds so far and having a wheat allergy does not let you eat all that good stuff oh well I am not to worried since he does not know me and my dr does so going to go back to her and discuss this. he wants me to go back to the dr so I guess that means another appt grrrrhhh.

I was so embarrassed when I did my stress test. I got on the treadmill and joked with my hubby who was there for support that maybe he should get a Twinkie and tie it to a stick dangling in front of my face and I would do better. Then, it became not funny, I was huffing and puffing and was too embarrassed to say it was getting too much, finally I admitted it and we stopped the test. They said I only went for 8 minutes and someone my age should have gone for at least 15 with no problem. I felt really bad but then I realized that it was a test and not the end of my life and I could work to change it so I felt better.

well dr called me today and said no traveling or excercising as it is to risky supposed to relax and take it easy . yeah rite that is hard for me but yes I have to take care of myself. apparently when I had my stress test done my heart was struggling even at the lowest excercise point . so she wants to send me for more testing . It is our 15 yr anniversary and we had planned on going to the states with some friends on sat but that is now cancelled .so now it is just out for suppper with my parents .kind of sucks but it is better then risking my health and being stuck somewhere.

My name is Carol. I am 61, married, diabetic and have had a heart attack. I have 9 arteries that are blocked & need a 5 artery by pass heart surgery. They can not do the stents or baloon as the blockages are too severe. When I try to walk the treadmill (even for a few minutes) the chest pressure is too great & I have to stop and take nitro. I need to loose over 100 lbs. I am desperate for help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carol, call your doc and tell her/him you really need some guidance on a healthy diet. I'm sure s/he would be happy to refer you to a nutritionist who can work closely with you to lose weight and eat right for your heart. Prayers to you for a safe surgery and speedy recovery.

I recently became very concerned with heart health after both my dad and grandpa had heart attacks. I also have a Protein C deficiency (blood clotting disorder) which ups my risk for heart attack and stroke, not to mention I am obese (need to lose about 70 lbs).

Anyway, the first thing I did was revamp my grocery list. I looked up heart healthy foods (soy nuts, spinach, red-colored fruits, blueberries, lean protein, and lots of whole grains) and threw away everything that wasn't conducive to eating for a healthy heart. I also take flax oil and a baby aspirin every day, but that's more for the blood disorder.

I found the American Heart Association's webstie to be extremely helpful and informative. They even have a place where you can make your own grocery list with heart healthy foods. They also have guidelines and recommendations for exercise, even for those with heart conditions: http://www.americanheart.org/present...tifier=1200013