Sport after a heart attack

First of all one must know that sedentarity weakens the heart ; in fact without regular physical activity, the heart muscle loses its contraction power. It receives and sends out less and less blood in the body, and thus muscles and organs get less oxygen ; it also recovers slower after an effort.

One should resume sport according to the physical possibilities before the accident and the functional capacities of the patient, which will be assessed through an “effort test” after the 15 th day after the accident.

Half an hour to one hour sessions, 3 to 4 times a week a beneficial to a good muscular and cardiac training.

There are a few rules to follow :

• all physical activity should be progressive, with a preliminary warning up session and also some resting periods ; it should always end with a recuperation phase.

• avoid violent sports, especially patient who take anticoagulants, for the slightest trauma could entail an important risk of haematoma (martial arts, boxing,...)

• avoid sports which ask for sudden efforts, rather practice reliability sports where the patients can adapt their own rythm (tennis, skiing,...)

• practice a sport with intent to relax, avoid both stress and competition.

• avoid out-door sports when the wind blows or when the weather is cold, which cause breathing problems.

Advisable sports :

• Walking
• Jogging
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Gymnastics
• Gardening