American College of Sports Medicine promotes sporting event for cardiac rehab patients

The American College of Sports Medicine will feature Olympic-style competition for cardiovascular rehabilitation patients at the World Heart Games, to be held May 14 and 15 in Decatur, Ga.

Events such as table tennis, golf and bocce ball will be designed to be challenging, but safe (and monitored) for those who are recovering cardiac patients or people with cardiovascular risk factors.

“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,” said Dr. F. Stuart Sanders, chair of the organizing committee for the event. “In contrast ... we have seen these games transform patients’ outlooks, generating excitement and confidence about how much they might achieve.”