MOJ
eISSN: 2574-9935
Submit manuscript...
Mini Review Volume 9 Issue 1
Cardiac rehabilitation in athletes after valve surgery. a quick review
Massimo Bolognesi
Massimo Bolognesi, Internal and Sport Medicine Specialist, Head of the Centre for Sports Cardiology, Ausl della Romagna, Districit of Cesena, Italy
Received: January 19, 2026 | Published: February 5, 2026
Citation: Bolognesi M. Cardiac rehabilitation in athletes after valve surgery. a quick review. MOJ Sports Med. 2026;9(1):6‒8. DOI: 10.15406/mojsm.2026.09.00193
Abstract
Following
aortic or mitral valve replacement or valvuloplasty surgery, a personalised,
gradual approach to rehabilitation is required, particularly for athletes.
Initially, low-to-moderate-intensity aerobic or endurance training (e.g. brisk
walking or light weightlifting) should be commenced under supervision. Heavy
lifting and high-intensity cardiovascular endurance training should be avoided
for six to eight weeks. Progressing gradually is important in order to improve
physical fitness and manage symptoms such as fatigue and breathlessness, while
also listening to your body. The aim is to improve quality of life and safely
return to physical activity. Personalised monitoring and management of
cardiovascular risk factors under continuous medical and specialist guidance
are key to achieving optimal results. In this brief review, the author outlines
the basic concepts and shares their personal insights based on over 30 years'
experience of medically supervising elite athletes. This is an overview of the
cardiac rehabilitation programme designed for athletes who have undergone valve
surgery. This brief overview offers a straightforward, practical approach to
managing athletes of all abilities during cardiac rehabilitation after heart
valve surgery. It is based on many years of personal experience.
Keywords: cardiac rehabilitation, athletes, sport injury, heart valve disease, training
©2026 Bolognesi. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.