High intensity exercise training programme following cardiac transplant.

Rajendran, A.J.; Pandurangi, U.M.; Mullasari, A.S.; Gomathy, S.; Kuppu Rao, K.V.; Vijayan, V.K.

Indian Journal of Chest Diseases and Allied Sciences; 2006; 48; 271-273.

Abstract: A 26-year-old male patient who presented with symptoms of end stage cardiac failure as a result of dilated cardiomyopathy, had an orthotopic cardiac transplantation. A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme was provided to him and he was introduced to a sport (tennis). The exercise training programme progressed from low intensity training to high intensity programme over a period of 15 months. A cardio-pulmonary exercise test done 22 months after surgery suggested that he was able to achieve the aerobic capacity comparable to that of a normal South Indian subject. He participated successfully in the World Transplant Games in Sydney and returned safely. This suggests that after a proper cardiac rehabilitation programme, patients undergoing heart transplantation can achieve normal physiological responses to lead a normal active life.

eywords: Cardio-pulmonary exercise testing, Cardiac transplantation, Cardiac rehabilitation.

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