Valentina Alice Rossi1, Christian Schmied1, Josef Niebauer2, David Niederseer3. 1. Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University of Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland. 2. Institute of Sports Medicine, Prevention and Rehabilitation, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria. 3. Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University of Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland. Electronic address: david.niederseer@usz.ch.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Alpine skiing is one of the most popular recreational winter sports and attracts millions of tourists every year alone in the Alpine region. Several studies highlight the positive effects of alpine skiing as aerobic physical training and isometric muscle activity that is able to increase exercise capacity and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. However, a certain cardiovascular risk mainly related to an abrupt increase of myocardial oxygen consumption during skiing especially in otherwise sedentary subjects and effects of hypoxia in untrained patients have to be acknowledged. DESIGN: In this article, we provide an up-to-date evaluation of risks and benefits of alpine skiing in relation of cardiovascular disease and elderly persons. METHODS: Narrative Review. RESULTS: In the first section, the current recommendations of physical activity and effects of alpine skiing - with particular attention to the elderly population - are described. In the second section, the present knowledge regarding cardiovascular risk and alpine skiing is summarized and possible pathophysiological mechanisms are highlighted. Finally, a summary regarding actual clinical recommendations is provided. CONCLUSIONS: Alpine skiing may safely be recommended also to the elderly if certain precautions are applied, as the benefits outbalance the potential risks in most subjects.
OBJECTIVES:Alpine skiing is one of the most popular recreational winter sports and attracts millions of tourists every year alone in the Alpine region. Several studies highlight the positive effects of alpine skiing as aerobic physical training and isometric muscle activity that is able to increase exercise capacity and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. However, a certain cardiovascular risk mainly related to an abrupt increase of myocardial oxygen consumption during skiing especially in otherwise sedentary subjects and effects of hypoxia in untrained patients have to be acknowledged. DESIGN: In this article, we provide an up-to-date evaluation of risks and benefits of alpine skiing in relation of cardiovascular disease and elderly persons. METHODS: Narrative Review. RESULTS: In the first section, the current recommendations of physical activity and effects of alpine skiing - with particular attention to the elderly population - are described. In the second section, the present knowledge regarding cardiovascular risk and alpine skiing is summarized and possible pathophysiological mechanisms are highlighted. Finally, a summary regarding actual clinical recommendations is provided. CONCLUSIONS:Alpine skiing may safely be recommended also to the elderly if certain precautions are applied, as the benefits outbalance the potential risks in most subjects.
Authors: Anna Vögele; Michiel Jan van Veelen; Tomas Dal Cappello; Marika Falla; Giada Nicoletto; Alexander Dejaco; Martin Palma; Katharina Hüfner; Hermann Brugger; Giacomo Strapazzon Journal: J Am Heart Assoc Date: 2021-12-02 Impact factor: 5.501