Exercising Safely After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
After percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), which involves angioplasty and often stenting, it’s important to focus on your heart health. Exercise can help strengthen your heart. It can also help you feel good and improve your overall health. Talk with your healthcare provider or cardiac rehab (rehabilitation) team member about good options for you.
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Start slowly. Work up to more vigorous exercise as you get stronger. Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise each week.
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Include aerobic activities. These make the heart beat faster. They work the heart and lungs, and improve the body’s ability to use oxygen. Good choices include walking, swimming, and biking.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice for exercise. Consider starting your exercise under the direction of a cardiac rehab program.
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