I have a heart condition. Is climbing up 12 flights of stairs injurious to my health?
141191
If your doctor recommends that you exercise and get some cardio exercise than climbing stairs is a good exercise.  Just be aware of your body.  If you start to get really tired, or feel dehydrated, get off the next floor and take the elevator.  Getting your heart pumping should be good for you.. your body needs it, but I would talk to your doctor about it if you're concerned.
279659
fell down a bunch of stairs!
296623
You might want to check out your local hospital and see if they have a gym with a trainer (or a local gym that they recommend), that would be safest.  I attended a hospital gym for several years and loved that in case something happened, the staff would know how to deal.  Another fringe benefit was that there were all fitness levels there, from people starting post-surg rehab to young athletes conditioning for a sports season.\n\nI am not a medical professional, but I would assume that you should check with a physician or pt/ot before starting anything strenuous (spelling?) like heavy cardiovascular.  I would think basic stretching and light walking would be a good place to start, but your best bet is to check with a healthcare professional before getting hard & heavy into anything.\n\nGood luck getting or staying fit!
300834
Exercise Walking\n\n If you're like the average person, you probably walk between 2,500-5,000 steps each day. While at first glance that may seem like a lot, you might want to think about adding more steps to your daily routine with an exercise walking program. Consider the benefits to your physical and mental health:\n\n\n\nA brisk walk increases your intake of oxygen, strengthens your heart to pump more blood, improves circulation and lowers blood pressure.\n\nWalking also slows development of degenerative joint disease, stops loss of bone mass in osteoporosis, and tones your muscles gently.\n\nWalking reduces stress, helps you keep a positive outlook and can make you feel (and look) younger and sleep more deeply and restfully.\n\nIf you are recovering from a recent injury or surgery or have a chronic condition, you may want to see your doctor before beginning a walking program. You may be able to withstand the low stress effort of walking without aggravating your condition. Walking has helped many people find relief from arthritis and back pain.\n\nYou can walk alone or with friends, almost anywhere and anytime it's convenient for you. The only equipment you need is a good pair of shoes. These should be comfortable and supportive and not cause blisters or calluses. Choose shoes that support the arch and elevate the heel slightly. There should be stiff material surrounding the heel (the heel counter), that keeps your heel from turning in or out or wobbling. The toe box should be roomy but not too long.\n\nStarting your program\n\nWhen you start your exercise program, warm up by walking as you normally would for five minutes, then pick up the pace to whatever speed gets your heart beating faster and your lungs breathing deeper. Keep up the faster pace for about 15 minutes. While you walk:\n\n\nSwing your arms.\n\nKeep your head up, back straight and abdomen flat.\n\nPoint your toes straight ahead.\n\nTake long strides, but don’t strain.\n\nCool down by walking at your warm up speed again for five more minutes. Do gentle stretching exercises when you're done. Repeat this routine three or four days a week with days for rest in between. After two weeks add five minutes to the strenuous part of your walk. Keep adding five minutes every two weeks as you gradually build strength and endurance.\n\nCommit to physical activity\n\nWhen you start an exercise walking program, you are making a commitment to yourself to be more physically active. This should be a lifetime pursuit, as the major health benefits of exercise walking take place over time. Keep track of your progress as you become more physically fit and increase the intensity of your workouts. You might consider getting a pedometer (available at most sporting goods stores) that clips on your belt and automatically records every step you take. In addition to your exercise walking routine, consider ways you can build more steps into each day, such as taking stairs instead of elevators or parking your car at the far end of lots.
98363
The short answer is yes, it could.  I live at 6000 feet and people who visit my city often have to take time to get used to the height.  Anyone with a chronic resp or heart disease can very easily have a difficult time, some need oxygen support.
1019411
See a doctor and have them check it out.  It's better to be safe than to have your heart just stop one day and collapse while you're "feeling just fine".
56451
Not necessarily, but it may require that you make some life altering changes to do so. For example, increased exercise is great for the blood pressure--and I mean stuff like walking, not die hard tae boe aerobics is necessary--also, a healthier diet will also help. your doctor can go over this with you more.
1164484
Of course, its a very good cardio exercise. Make sure you eat and sleep properly though.
416597
Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor\n\nFirst of all the bipolar disorder should have no impact on your lifespan, unless you get suicidal.\n\nThe only thing that would concern me is being diabetic, since it effects so many parts of your body. Having Heart bypass surgery only prolongs your lifespan. My grandmother had a triple bypass and lived to just shy of 90.\n\nWith the advances in medicine, I'd say your chances of being alive ten years from now are rather good.\n\nThat said, healthy or not, live everyday like it's your last.
204106
yes I think that you should go for a walk if you want to and it will keep you in shape and fit and you will not have no health problems and will not have no heart attack. and I think that walking is good for you to do and it is a good \nexcercise for you to do if you want to that is. and good luck to you and I wish you well what ever you are going to do in your life. and best wishes to you to. and god bless you to.
1182802
Walking down stairs is definately easier than walking on level ground because gravity is sort of helping you move. Now, walking down stairs is better for your health than taking the lift because you are moving. This means that you are burning more calories than someone standing in the lift. Keep on walking and stay on the move. You will see the benefits of it.\n\nJ
352278
Cardio.  Skip the weight lifting.  Not good for hight BP
379179
Ive done that myself.  Its not a good idea but I dont think its all that dangerous.  Its not like heart medication.  the problem is that it takes time to build up again.  Feeling week and funny is probably from worrying about it.  Although without medication the symptoms can return and that could be happening too.  Over time hypothyroidism can effect all your organs.  You really should keep up on your meds.  good luck!
1098099
First I would ask for an echocardiogram with & without saline (water bubbles); this will show any & hopefully all holes in your heart. I had it done & they found I was missing a chamber and had holes on the opposite side of my heart which required them to "cath" my heart. They make a small slice in the groin area & go through a main artery in your leg up to your heart. I'm only 5' & 100 lbs & they couldn't knock me out with morphine (I watched the entire procedure & ticked off my cardiologist -lol). My personal opinion would be 1. ask questions, make a list if you have to, 2. check out the surgeons & their history, & 3. if they are as good as they check out to be the procedure will be a cakewalk for you. I was 38 when they found all of this & now I'm 43 and alive to see my baby (23) get married this coming August to a wonderful young lady. My Dad had 2 triple arterial bypasses & he lost a leg in Korea and God bless him, he'll be 79 this July. Yes, I had a good role model but it is normal to get upset when a Dr mentions a prob w/the heart & that you have to face surgery. I now know how a lobster feels having its chest cracked but thorasic & cardiac surgery is so advanced that I can promise you that you'll be fine. Try to keep a positive attitude and have faith; they told me after 3 days that if I could walk up & down a flight of stairs 4 times, I could go home..........I bolted & got my boney butt outta that hospital & back into my own home in no time. My thoughts & prayers are with you (Navy brat here) but above all : keep the faith.\nBeth
1111528
not in excess. if u only lift light weights it's good. but heavy weights can actually be bad for your heart.
1017611
Anything less than 200 is a normal level.  Yes, high cholesterol  over a period of years can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure and clogged arteries (atherosclerosis).  Cholesterol is eaten and is made naturally by the body.\n\nIt is also hereditary and can be caused by eating unhealthy foods.  There are two kinds HDL (healthy) & LDL (unhealthy).  \n\nIt is unlikely you have heart disease at your age.  Start eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits & vegetables, dairy products (in moderation) and lean cuts of meat.  Exercise regularly and stay out of fast-food places.  You are never too young to learn healthy eating habits.  The fact you are asking now is a good sign.
712487
That is a very nice question! I did,nt know how life was so precious until 2 years ago when I could hardly walk a few hundred yard without stopping to take a breather then taking a heart attack which led me to having a triple bye-pass on my heart!\nThanks to the wonderfull doctors and nurses of this country I wake up each morning now not wanting to moan about ANYTHING in life and take each lovely day as it comes!