Maximum number of sessions - heart problems?

[asc01]

I am 61 and have been getting typical anginal pain, relieved by GTN spray (although I try to avoid this as although it relieves the discomfort quickly it replaces it with a splitting headache!) From November I didn't have any problems till 8 days ago, but have then had several attacks either with exercise or under stress. Tests in the spring were normal, but because I have so many risk factors and my symptoms are so typical, my GP is pretty sure it is a cardiac problem.
I saw my GP on Friday and she says it is OK to go to the gym, which I started recently, provided I am sensible.

I do a routine involving treadmill, recumbent cycle and cross-trainer, and in a month should add a couple of routines with resistance machines. I do 30-45 minutes which puts my heart up to 120-156.

What is the maximum number of sessions I should do a week?

[Naxis]

That's basically going to be up to you, as only you can monitor how your body is reacting to the stress of exercise, but start slow. You may want to begin with just one or two sessions a week for a couple weeks. If you feel you're able to handle it, add a day if you want. Just take it slow. Trying to rush your progress is especially dangerous for you. Just listen to your body and don't ignore any warning signs. Good luck! Keep us updated.

[asc01]

I think I am probably pushing it a bit hard as my heart rate stays well outside the recommended level. Although I didn't get actual chest pain tonight I felt a very vague pressure and when I came back my blood pressure was way up. I really wanted to see how much I could do, and think my body said that was too much.

[rheanna]

asc01,

As Naxis says, "Just listen to your body and don't ignore any warning signs." For some of us, the hardest thing is to pay more attention to the body's inner signals than to the outer competitive numbers. I keep forgetting that I don't need to do more at this session than I did at the last one. It's too easy to pay attention to what we think we're supposed to do or to what those young whippersnappers are doing than to what our bodies are telling us.

Good for you for going back to the gym.

--Rheanna

[asc01]

Last night I went to the gym and pushed things hard enough to get the beginning of chest discomfort, though not real pain. After exercising, my blood pressure was around 170/100 for a couple of hours and I did get a short-lived attack of pain. Still feeling really shattered this morning. I'm going to phone my GP this morning as I think I probably need the diltiazem as well as the lisinopril etc. I think I really stirred things up yesterday - won't do that again! I really wanted to see how much I could do without running into problems - now I know - less than last night!

Tonight I'll have a fairly light swim, then tomorrow I expect I'll go to the gym but take things really gently and sensibly!