There was a time when patients who had suffered a heart attack were warned against any kind of exertion for fear that it would provoke another attack. Today, patients with heart disease are not merely allowed to exercise, they are positively encouraged to do so. Indeed, exercise should form the cornerstone of any cardiac rehabilitation programme. Regular exercise following a heart attack has been shown to improve the function of the heart muscle and to reduce the risks of any further heart problems.

Most patients with heart problems can exercise perfectly safely, provided the exercise is carefully prescribed and that the form and intensity of the activity are appropriate. Furthermore, the benefits of exercise are available to you just as they are to those who don’t have a history of heart disease – perhaps even more so. It is a good idea to talk to your doctor, specialist or cardiac nurse about the best way to increase your physical activity before you start.