High intensity exercise training programme following cardiac transplant.
A 26-year-old male patient who presented with symptoms of end stage cardiac failure as a result of dilated cardiomyopathy, had an orthotopic cardiac transplantation. A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme was provided to him and he was introduced to a sport (tennis). The exercise training programme progressed from low intensity training to high intensity programme over a period of 15 months. A cardio-pulmonary exercise test done 22 months after surgery suggested that he was able to achieve the aerobic capacity comparable to that of a normal South Indian subject. He participated successfully in the World Transplant Games in Sydney and returned safely. This suggests that after a proper cardiac rehabilitation programme, patients undergoing heart transplantation can achieve normal physiological responses to lead a normal active life.
Rajendran
A J
AJ
Institute of Cardio-vascular Diseases, Chennai, India.
Pandurangi
U M
UM
Mullasari
A S
AS
Gomathy
S
S
Rao
K V Kuppu
KV
Vijayan
V K
VK
D000328:Adult; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000601:surgery; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000601:surgery; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male