Training for Special Medical Populations: Cardiac Concerns

I agree with what you are saying but may I add that clients should have a long hard talk with the doc before they decide to give a 100% or just walk away and forget it. I had a heart attack almost two years ago at age 33. I wasted the first year waiting for the doctor to give me the green light to push it when I was training. Now I am on my third heart doctor one that will shut up long enough to listen to what I am saying and answer the direct questions I have. I have only been back to crossfit for about 6 months but what a difference on my mood and sense of well being. Just as a side note I had the heart attack doing the Barbara workout 3rd round and everything went to crap. Thanks and keep up the good work.

I (age 48) had quaduple bypass 3 months ago and was looking for articles about rehab for those who were active before their heart attack. I had been doing Crossfit for about a year (running and cycling too) prior to my surgery so I was concerned about how hard to push it. My doctor wouldn't give me specifics just reminded me I wasn't rehabing a torn ACL so the "no pain no gain" strategy didn't apply, slow and steadly increasing effort is what's needed. I'm allowed to do anything that doesn't mess with my chest ie no pushups, no benchpress. Squats, pullups, thrusters and most other Crossfit exercises have the medical green light and so that's what I do. And I'm very thankful that I can.

I have been crossfitting for the past three years. I will be 60 in about a month. Crossfitting and a paleo diet have transformed me.

Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with a benign tumor called a myxoma. It was inside my heart, the left atrium to be exact. It occupied about 80% and was restricting my oxegen rich blood flow by about 50%. I underwent emergency open heart surgery to have it removed. I am now in recovery and rehab. The cardiologist and my personal doctor have not had any experience with an asyptomatic, fit individual who has undergone cardiac surgery in terms of rehabilitation. To an extent, they are treating my situation like any other. They want slow walks, heart rate kept below 100 bpm, gradual increase in effort over time. I went for a long walk yesterday (3.5 miles) during which I jogged a little, about 3/4 of a mile in total. I felt fine and feel fine. I think I could do more. Is there anyone in the Crossfit community that has dealt with a similiar situation?

Brian,
I am crossfitter and I work with cardiovascular and pulmonary patients in a hospital outpatient rehab setting. You should be able to return to your prior crossfitting. It just takes time for the sternum to heal. Your rehab team will be monitoring for arrhythmias, abnormal blood pressures ect. I usually start patients walking, cycling, elliptical ect. and lower extremity strengthening(BW squats)then six weeks after surgery start upper extremity range of motion exercises and progress to light resistance training. By the end of rehab(usually 3 months for the type of surgery you had) the goal is to be doing what you were doing prior to your event. I use crossfit training on post heart attacks, bypass, stents, transplants and most do very well. You will bounce back quick due to being a crossfitter before. Good luck Crossfit Bro.