Heart attack survivors really can improve their life quality, and it’s not by taking it easy. How 150 minutes of exercise a week has physical and mental benefits
- Heart attack survivors are often told to take it easy, but researchers have found regular exercise improves quality of life
- With expert supervision, working out for up to 30 minutes a day for five days has a beneficial effect for survivors such as Singaporean Shaiful Irwan, 43
In June last year, Singaporean public servant Shaiful Irwan suffered a heart attack and spent five days in the island state’s Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
It came as a shock to the 43-year-old. Irwan was active – he played soccer and floorball – and did weekly core-training sessions. He also walked and kayaked with friends.
His heart attack – he had a 90 per cent blockage in one of his arteries – occurred three months into Singapore’s circuit breaker (stay-at-home order) to fight the spread of coronavirus, leading him to believe that it was triggered by a lack of physical activity during that period combined with too much rich food.
While in hospital, Irwan underwent a balloon angioplasty and stent procedure. Eager to get back to physical activity after he was discharged, he sought the help of physiotherapists at the hospital, and later, the Singapore Heart Foundation. Under their guidance, he resumed his workouts, gradually increasing their intensity.
Irwan started with cycling and walks. As his heart became stronger and his stamina improved, he cycled longer distances. After months of training, his cycling friend encouraged him to participate in Ace Race UK’s 300km in 30 Days event, which he completed earlier this year. Today, in addition to cycling and walking, Irwan hikes with friends and plays soccer when his schedule permits.