txdon
Super Star Member
Don,What formula, if any, do you use to determine what your maximum heart rate should be for your age while exercising?
Max HR = 220 - age
I'm almost able to reach my max now 8 months after my heart attack. I'm not pushing it, just letting it come naturally, taking my time.
Several weeks after my heart attack my pulse would get to 110 while walking, I couldn't catch my breath and felt bad. For those first couple of weeks I really did not know what to expect and knew if this was going to be the best I could do there was no way I could stay out here in the country and maintain it. I kept thinking about my hospital blood test that had elevated enzymes that showed heart muscle death and the irregular heart rhythm. Being monitored closely during cardiac rehab and the consistency of exercise while gradually increasing intensity and time really helped my heart and my confidence, along with my diet. Now those thoughts don't even cross my mind.
I did a lot of research those first few months and this is the most encouraging e-mail I received:
"...I would like for you to know that 20% of heart attack victims have a recurrent event within one year and 85% fail to make any lifestyle changes!
It looks like you are different and that you are taking charge of your health. We are determined to offer you as much support as we can!..... your coronary disease is preventable and can be reversed......Regular exercise and a healthy, low fat diet in addition to medication (if needed) are the "silver bullet" that can stop and reverse coronary artery disease.
All my best,
Stefano Sdringola, MD
Weatherhead Distinguished University Chair
Associate Professor of Medicine and
Associate Director Weatherhead P.E.T. Center for
Preventing and Reversing Atherosclerosis"
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