• Is it safe to go swimming 4 weeks after a heart attack?

My grandfather is 73 years old and had a heart attack 4 weeks ago. He feels better and wants to go swimming now. Is it safe?

5 Answers

  • Cardiothoracic Surgeon
  • Asheville, NC

If he is healing well without any evidence of infection. He needs to let the anterior incision heal as well as the sternum before he puts pressure on it.

  • Cardiac Electrophysiologist
  • Newark, New Jersey

Swimming is the ultimate exercise because you move all your body muscles and it is low impact. Absolutely, your grandma can swim.

  • Cardiothoracic Surgeon
  • Fair Lawn, NJ

Please check with your cardiologist to make sure that all necessary tests, EKG, blood tests are within normal limits.

  • Cardiothoracic Surgeon
  • Atlanta, GA

He should see his cardiologist before starting an exercise program of any kind, including swimming.

  • Cardiologist
  • Sandwich, MA

The easy answer is, it depends, on the type of heart attack, how he was treated, and if by swimming you mean just going into the water for a few minutes or swimming in the ocean or lake for significantly longer. Usually, I recommend a stress test and starting cardiac rehab before resuming physical activity or work, but many people will start a walking program at an easy pace on flat surface. I would recommend checking with his doctors before starting and go slow with any activity.

Dr. Callahan

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