HITTING THE GREENS BENEFITS CVD PATIENTS

Experts differ widely on what type and intensity of exercise is best for
patients with heart problems. Now a new study suggests that golf may be
ideal for cardiovascular patients, because it is low-impact but still
provides enough activity to benefit the heart.

The study enrolled 20 male golfers with cardiovascular disease and eight
healthy control subjects. Cardiovascular load on the golf course was
monitored by testing lactate levels, blood pressure and urine
catecholamines. Ergospirometry and serum lactate were also evaluated in
a laboratory setting. While patients experienced similar levels of
heart-pumping activity as did healthy subjects, golfing did not
overstress patients, cardiovascular systems, according to the report.

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise October 2000;32:1674-8.
http://www.acsm-msse.org/

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© 1996-2003 Craig M. Anderson, D.C.