adult and aged athletes; heart conditions

Question 1

What classifies someone as having a heart condition?

Answer 1

• Suffer from high blood pressure
• have experienced a heart attack or other heart problems
• have had bypass surgery

Question 2

What should adult and aged athletes with heart conditions avoid?

Answer 2

• High intensity sports (75-80MHR)
• Aerobic sports
• Caffeine supplements

Question 3

What level of MHR should an adult and aged athlete with a heart condition stay within during physical activity?

Answer 3

50-75MHR
(e.g. light jogging, taichi, golf)

Question 4

Prior to performance what should an adult and aged athletes with a heart condition do?

Answer 4

Prior to starting an exercise program they must obtain medical clearance and may be required to undertake a stress test to determine the level of intensity that their circulatory system can tolerate.

Question 5

How long and frequent should sessions be for adult and aged athletes with a heart condition?

Answer 5

No longer than 30-45 minutes in duration and performed 3-4 times per week.

Question 6

Is resistance training good for adult and aged athletes with a heart condition?

Answer 6

Only light resistance training should be performed as it increases blood pressure.

Question 7

In place of resistance training, which exercises can alternatively benefit an adult and aged athletes with a heart condition?

Answer 7

Light aerobic exercises such as;
- Walking
- Jogging
- Cycling
- Swimming