Which lifestyle change is recommended after MI?

• A. Drink alcohol
• B. Exercise
• C. Skip exercise
• D. High-fat diet

Answer: (B)

Regular exercise as part of a supervised cardiac rehabilitation program is recommended after a myocardial infarction. Exercise strengthens the heart’s efficiency, improves circulation, and helps lower blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and blood sugar, while also aiding weight management and reducing anxiety. This combination lowers the risk of future heart problems and supports a quicker, safer recovery. Because the heart is healing, activity should start gently and progress gradually under medical guidance, with activities like walking or cycling most days for about 20–40 minutes, plus a warm-up and cool-down. It’s important to monitor for chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue, and adjust as needed. In contrast, skipping exercise can lead to deconditioning, while behaviors like a high-fat diet or drinking alcohol in excess can worsen heart risk. The recommended path is a regular, prescribed exercise plan within a rehabilitation framework.