title: Athletic participation after myocardial revascularization. Possibilities and benefits.
abstract: Exercise after open heart operation is not only possible but highly desirable. Training increases the efficiency of exercise and therefore decreases myocardial work for any given level of activity. Even before sternal and incisional healing is complete the patient may become physically active. Almost every patient can improve his or her level of fitness safely by following simple guidelines. Exercise treadmill testing is the basis for assessing exercise capacity in cardiac patients. Upper-body exercise is not adequately emphasized in most exercise programs.
authors.affiliation: Heart Institute Hospital Good Samaritan, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Kay
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D009204:Myocardial Revascularization; D010806:Physical Education and Training