ESC Study Group of Sports Cardiology:: recommendations for participation in leisure-time physical activity and competitive sports for patients with ischaemic heart disease

Background Evidence for the proper management of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in the general population is well established, but recommendations for physical activity and competitive sports in these patients are scarce. The aim of the present paper was to provide such recommendations to complement existing ESC and international guidelines on rehabilitation and primary/secondary prevention. Design and methods Due to the lack of studies in this field, the current recommendations are the result of consensus among experts. Sports are classified into low/moderate/high dynamic and low/moderate/high static, respectively. Results Patients with a definitive IHD and higher probability of cardiac events are not eligible for competitive sports (CS) but for individually designed leisure time physical activity (LPA); patients with definitive IHD and lower probability of cardiac events as well as those with no IHD but with a positive exercise test and high risk profile (SCORE>5%) are eligible for low/ moderate static and low dynamic (IA-IIA) sports and individually designed LPA. Patients without IHD and a high risk profile + a negative exercise-test and those with a low risk profile (SCORE<5%) are allowed all LPA and competitive sports with a few exceptions. Conclusions Individually designed LPA is possible and encouraged in patients with and without established IHD. Competitive sports may be restricted for patients with IHD, depending on the probability of cardiac events and the demands of the sport according to the current classification.