Abstract

Following aortic or mitral valve replacement or valvuloplasty surgery, a personalised, gradual approach to rehabilitation is required, particularly for athletes. Initially, low-to-moderate-intensity aerobic or endurance training (e.g. brisk walking or light weightlifting) should be commenced under supervision. Heavy lifting and high-intensity cardiovascular endurance training should be avoided for six to eight weeks. Progressing gradually is important in order to improve physical fitness and manage symptoms such as fatigue and breathlessness, while also listening to your body. The aim is to improve quality of life and safely return to physical activity. Personalised monitoring and management of cardiovascular risk factors under continuous medical and specialist guidance are key to achieving optimal results. In this brief review, the author outlines the basic concepts and shares their personal insights based on over 30 years' experience of medically supervising elite athletes. This is an overview of the cardiac rehabilitation programme designed for athletes who have undergone valve surgery. This brief overview offers a straightforward, practical approach to managing athletes of all abilities during cardiac rehabilitation after heart valve surgery. It is based on many years of personal experience.

Keywords

cardiac rehabilitation, athletes, sport injury, heart valve disease, training