Those recovering from a heart ailment are no longer confined to the sidelines, thanks to the upcoming World Heart Games in Decatur, Ga.

The Games, convened by the American College of Sports Medicine, will feature a unique Olympic-style competition for cardiovascular rehab patients. The event will feature a wide variety of challenging - yet safe and monitored - competitions for patients, from table tennis to golf putting to bocce ball. Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Ga., will host the games, which are presented by The Coca-Cola Company.

"Many of the cardiac rehab patients I treat are eager to return to their active lifestyles," said F. Stuart Sanders, M.D., FACSM, chair of the organizing committee for the event. "The World Heart Games allow them to do that. These special competitors have trained and prepared for the Games just like any athlete would." According to Sanders, these emotional benefits of the games can be just as crucial as the physical upsides to returning to exercise.

"Cardiac patients often see themselves in a diminished light, with concerns about how cardiac or pulmonary problems likely will permanently limit physical aspects of their lives and lead to more life-threatening events," he said. "In contrast, the enthusiasm, camaraderie, and competitiveness instilled in these patients are identifiable as soon as they have decided to begin training. We have seen these games transform patients' outlooks, generating excitement and confidence about how much they might achieve."

Although the games are designed for cardiac patients or people with cardiovascular risk factors, health care providers are encouraged to get involved, too. Physicians, nurses, therapists and other professionals can talk to cardiac rehab patients about their physical activity abilities and options, and should encourage them to register for the World Heart Games. Visit acsm/worldheartgames for more information.

Source
American College of Sports Medicine