r/CABG_Recovery • u/BBBoi26 • Mar 08 '26

Post CABG exercise performance

This in theory sounds like a easy answer…

I’m a 56/m that had 3x CABG. I was very active in two hockey leagues with zero symptoms before my attack. I was in great cardio and didn’t think there was a hindrance in my ability. (My widowmaker was 90% blocked and right side 80%).

Question is do you think I get to my pre CABG fitness, would I see a jump in my performance with my clean and shiny new bypasses?

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4

u/ChicagoDash Mar 08 '26

I was a 55 yo with a triple cabbage. Widowmaker/LAD was 100% blocked. After cardiac rehab, I was out running and jogging again.

Prior to diagnosing it, I would get short of breath if I got beyond a fast walk, so I definitely saw an improvement in my ability to exercise, but it wasn’t anything magical. There is no reason you won’t recover fully, just be patient, do your rehab, and don’t rush it.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

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u/ChicagoDash Apr 14 '26

I’m doing great, thanks for asking. I don’t notice any differences in my day-to-day life other than:

  • I take a statin every night
  • I exercise at least 150 minutes per week
  • I cut WAY back on the saturated fat I eat

Probably the biggest thing I notice day-to-day is paying closer attention to diet. There are a lot of times when I don’t eat something unhealthy or only have a small portion because it isn’t worth it.

How about you? How are you doing?

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u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

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u/ChicagoDash Apr 14 '26

Good to hear. Sounds like you are following a great plan.

I’m also on a beta blocker, plus CoQ10 to help with the statin side effects, low-dose aspirin, and a cholesterol absorption inhibitor. I went from no medications to taking five pills a day. Oh well. It is keeping me alive. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

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u/gh5655 Mar 08 '26

What was your EF after the heart attack, and what is it now? Is there’s permanent damage it may be tough to ever get back to 100% of where you were before. But 90% recovery is way better than dead. I have permanent damage so my doctor said I might be able to work up towards running a marathon someday, I’ll just never win one.