Differences of cardiovascular symptoms and injuries between men and women in phase-III rehabilitation of cardiac patients

Sport for cardiac patients is often regarded as being too strenuous and exp osing the patients, particularly women, to undue cardiovascular and traumat ologic hazards. These hypotheses may be reasons why womens' participation i n outpatient rehabilitation groups is less than mens'. To focus on this issue, a retrospective analysis of cardiovascular and trau matologic risks of cardiac patients in phase-III rehabilitation was perform ed. 753 unselected men (62+/-8.1 years) and 150 women (60.8 +/- 8.9 years, ns) answered questionnaires on the frequency and type of cardiovascular sym ptoms, as well as on injuries, the occurrence of them during the sport sess ions, and the modalities of treatment. In comparison to men, women had a significantly reduced working capacity (- 33%, p < 0.001), an excess risk of cardiovascular symptoms (46% vs, 36.8%, p < 0.05) and injuries (11.7% vs. 8%, ns), particularly of severe traumas ( 35% vs. 21.1%, p<0.2), and had to cease exercising more frequently (12.7% v s, 7.9%, p<0.07), Independent variables seem to be poor exercise tolerance and gender. Other variables, notably older age, imposed no excess risk. It is concluded, that in phase-III rehabilitation of cardiac patients, women c ompared to men exhibit an excess risk of cardiovascular symptoms and injuri es. Tailoring of the training program is recommended in order to allow part icularily women to participate in the sport sessions.