Prevention & Lifestyle

Exercise After Heart Procedures

Physical activity is essential for recovery and long-term heart health. Learn how to exercise safely after your cardiac procedure.

Why Exercise Matters

Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your heart health after a procedure. Regular physical activity:

💪Strengthens your heart muscle

🩸Improves blood flow and circulation

⚖️Helps control weight

📉Lowers blood pressure

✨Improves cholesterol levels

🧘Reduces stress and anxiety

⚡Boosts energy and mood

🛡️Helps prevent future heart problems

Recovery Timeline by Procedure

After Stent/PCI

Day 1-2:Rest, short walks around the house

Week 1:Light walking, no lifting >10 lbs

Week 2-4:Gradually increase walking distance

Week 4+:Resume most activities as tolerated

After TAVR

Day 1-2:Up and walking in hospital

Week 1-2:Light walking, no lifting >10 lbs

Week 2-4:Gradual activity increase, cardiac rehab if prescribed

Week 4-6:Return to most normal activities

After Watchman/PFO Closure

Day 1-3:Rest, avoid straining groin area

Week 1:Light walking only, no lifting >10 lbs

Week 2+:Gradually resume activities as tolerated

General Exercise Guidelines

Target: 150 Minutes Per Week

Most heart patients should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. This breaks down to about 30 minutes, 5 days a week.

Good Activities

✓ Walking (brisk)
✓ Swimming or water aerobics
✓ Cycling (stationary or outdoor)
✓ Light jogging (if cleared)
✓ Elliptical or rowing machine
✓ Dancing

The "Talk Test"

A simple way to know if you're exercising at the right intensity:

Moderate intensity: You can talk but not sing

Vigorous intensity: You can only say a few words at a time

Safety Guidelines

Start Slowly

Begin with 5-10 minutes and gradually increase. Don't try to do too much too soon.

Warm Up and Cool Down

Spend 5 minutes warming up before and cooling down after exercise.

Listen to Your Body

Stop if you feel chest pain, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual fatigue.

Stay Hydrated

Drink water before, during, and after exercise. Avoid exercising in extreme heat.

When to Stop & Seek Help

Stop exercising immediately and contact your doctor if you experience:

⚠️ Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
⚠️ Severe shortness of breath
⚠️ Dizziness or lightheadedness
⚠️ Heart palpitations or racing heart
⚠️ Nausea or cold sweats
⚠️ Unusual fatigue

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised program that helps you recover and improve your cardiovascular health. We may recommend it after your procedure.

Monitored exercise sessions — Exercise safely with medical supervision

Education — Learn about heart health, diet, and lifestyle

Emotional support — Counseling and support groups

Risk factor management — Help with smoking cessation, diabetes, etc.

Weekly Exercise Goals

150

minutes of moderate aerobic activity

days of strength training

Daily

light activity and movement

Questions About Activity?

We can help you develop a safe exercise plan tailored to your recovery.