Great questions keep rolling into my inbox! Thanks everybody!

I just received an interesting question about whether or not it is safe to exercise AFTER heart valve disease diagnosis but BEFORE surgery. Specifically, Brigid B. wrote to me:

Today I was told by my cardiologist that I had two [1] symptoms is shortness of breath. I’m really concerned and will probably not sleep tonight.

I was wondering if I could ask you a question. I have been trying to get healthy and purchased a treadmill last month. Would exercising make my heart work even harder and potentially cause more damage to my heart valves?

MY RESPONSE TO BRIGID’S QUESTION ABOUT EXERCISING AFTER HEART VALVE DISORDER DIAGNOSIS

Hi Brigid B.,

Nice to meet you. And, thanks for writing me about the topics of exercise, leaky heart valves and heart strain.

It’s a really good question. In fact, it’s such a good question, you should probably phone your cardiologist and get his medical thoughts. As you will read below, I encountered this precise question following my diagnosis before my [2] aortic valve replacement. However, I highly encourage you to chat with your cardiologist to get his ideas given each patient is unique.

As for me… Following my second opinion from Dr. Chaikin in Los Angeles, my cardiologist told me to STOP EXERCISING COMPLETELY. But, you have to remember, my situation sounds like it was much more critical than yours. My aortic valve was severely defective and my heart was already [3] bicuspid aortic valve.

That was a very, very, very tough time for me. I love to swim, to bike, to lift weights and to run.

But, here’s the GOOD NEWS…

Now, it’s two years after surgery. Guess what? I’m exercising about five times per week. I’m back at the gym lifting weights. I’m at the pool swimming laps. I run. And, I even surf occasionally.

For me, that is the blessing of heart valve surgery. It has given me a second chance to re-experience all that I appreciate about life.

I hope that helps answer your questions about exercise before heart surgery.

Keep on tickin!

[4] To learn more about Adam’s heart valve surgery book, click here.