FAQ's list

Just click on a question to read an answer or an explanation...

General questions

What is the best exercise for the heart?
Do I need to warm up?
How hard should I exercise?
How long should I exercise for?
How soon can I exercise again?
Are 'cool-downs' necessary?
How frequently should I exercise?
Should I take my pulse?
How do I take my pulse?
Can I use a 30 second pulse count?
How do I work out my Training Heart Rate Range?
What if I am on beta-blockers?
Are pulse watches any good?
What is the Borg RPE Scale?
What is the Modified Borg RPE Scale?
What is the Angina Scale?
What is the 'Talk Test'?
What is the Breathlessness Scale?
How do I know if I am over doing it?
What are the exercise 'Stop Signs and Symptoms'?
What is the best exercise programme for cardiac patients?
Can I go swimming yet?
Can I go to the gym?
Can I exercise with weights?
What is the '1-Rep Max'?
What is the 'Valsalva Manoeuvre'?
How long do I have to wait after meals?
Can I exercise with a cold?
What is the best time of day to exercise?
Should I tell my doctor / physician that my condition has changed?

Condition specific questions

What if I have ANGINA?
What if I have had an ANGIOPLASTY?
What if I have had a STENT?
What if I have had a BYPASS?
What if I have had a HEART ATTACK?
What if I have HEART FAILURE?
What if I have had a HEART TRANSPLANT?
What if I have a PACEMAKER?
What if I have a HEART VALVE?

Note
If you have a number of cardiac conditions always start out with the lowest intensity exercise training programme of all your conditions.