Can You Lift Weights After A Heart Bypass Operation?

September 30th, 2007

Following heart surgery, there are a number of distinct do’s and don’ts. Upon discharge from the hospital, most patients are given some guidance as to what you should and should not do following surgery.

However, as the recovery progresses, and months go by, the patient may desire to re-engage in certain activities that were part of his or her pre-operative life.

Personally… before my aortic and pulmonary valve replacement, I was incredibly active.

I ran, surfed, scuba’d, swam, biked, played tennis, racquetball and hiked. Anything that involves the outdoors, I’m into.

I also lifted weights.

Surprise. Surprise. I just received an email that read, “Can you lift weights after a heart bypass operation?”

So you know, I never was interested in bulking up with big muscles. (Arnold Schwarzenegger was never my idol.) Rather, I lifted to keep my body tone and physically strong.

However, about six months into my recovery, I wanted to get more active. That said, I asked my surgeon, Dr. Vaughn Starnes, for his blessing in countless activities following my surgery. Interestingly enough, the response to almost every questions I asked was… Yes!

Yes, Adam. You can surf again.

Yes, Adam. You can scuba again.

Yes, Adam. You can….

However, the one thing that Dr. Vaughn Starnes suggested I be careful about was lifting weights following my heart bypass operation.

In his opinion, it was best to lift weights only for repetition not for big muscles. Dr. Starnes said I should stay away from lifting heavy weights that might put unwanted strain on my new heart valves.

Needless to say I’m following his advice!

However, I strongly encourage you to speak with your surgeon about lifting weights following your heart surgery.

I hope that helps answer the question, “Can you lift weights after a heart bypass operation?”

Keep on tickin!

About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates clinical research with the personal experiences of 135 former patients to help future patients and their caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.