On the topic of preparing for heart surgery…

Lloyd asks, “Adam – Thank you for your promptness in sending your book to me last weekend. I have started to read it, but I am still a little afraid. My question is this, how did you physically prepare for your surgery? I am 61 years old and walk daily – approximately one hour. In bad weather, I walk in the gym, 3.5-4.0 miles per hour with grades up to 8 percent. I am concerned as to how do I get myself in the best physical shape possible if I need surgery. FYI, I am asymptomatic ^[1] and a retired police officer. I have been treated for high blood pressure for years but have always maintained an active life. Thank you. Lloyd”

Here is my counter-intuitive response to Lloyd’s question:

Hi Lloyd,

So you know, my cardiologist, Dr. Chaikin, requested that I do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to prepare for my surgery. In fact, Doctor Chaikin suggested that I stop exercising prior to my surgery due to the problematic condition of my heart. Not only was my aortic stenosis severe ^[2] but my heart was already dilated.

That said, I don’t expect your cardiologist or surgeon will ask you to “physically train for surgery”. To the contrary, it might be the other way around – depending on the severity of your heart valve disease.

Remember… You are dealing with structural, tissue issues which negatively impact your valve function (mitral valve prolapse ^[3], valve calcification ^[4], etc.). This is fundamentally different than lifestyle risk factors which can be monitored, controlled and modified over time.

I hope that helps how I did not physically prepare for my heart surgery.

Keep on tickin!