What to suggest after coronary angioplasty or bypass surgery procedures: a sedentary lifestyle, moderate physical activity or sports activity?

Patients undergoing coronary percutaneous revascularization are usually sedentary individuals. It is well known that physical activity has central and peripheral benefit in subjects with or without coronary heart disease. The physiological principles of physical activity, which are essential during rehabilitation activity, have led to an evolution in the concept of sports therapy with a preventive and therapeutic efficacy even in groups of moderately advanced age. The training effect must be adequate in the ischaemic patient during baseline conditions with increased intra-ventricular pressure regimens and with arrhythmological potential. Metabolic, muscular and general adaptation in the ischaemic patient is essential for improved economy of effort. It is necessary to stratify patients to identify low to moderate risk in order to prepare training programmes and eventually sports activity. Sports activity and training programme selection must be performed by a cardiologist who understands the problemmes and potentials of physical training that can be performed even in a gym.