Each year, 120,000 heart attacks take place in France: the death rate after one year is around 15%. A heart attack (also called a myocardial infarction) occurs because of the obstruction of an artery that supplies the heart: deprived of oxygen, muscle cells die quickly over a more or less extensive area and this leads to problems with contraction muscle, manifested by arrhythmias, heart failure, or even heart failure.
In France, less than one in 4 patients (22.7%) benefits from cardiac muscle rehabilitation after their infarction: they are even less than 12% after 75 years and only 2.3% after 85 years.
Good news: according to a new study conducted by Brown University (in the United States) and coordinated by the American Heart Association, practicing tai chi after a myocardial infarction could be an effective alternative to cardiac rehabilitation.
To reach this conclusion, the American researchers worked with 29 volunteers (8 men, 21 women with an average age of 67.9 years) who had suffered from heart disease and / or myocardial infarction.
Gentle gymnastics that strengthen the heart
Verdict? Scientists found that tai chi (practiced twice a week for 12 weeks) was initially safe for the participants, except for some minor muscle pain. In addition, this physical activity significantly increased the physical activity rate of the participants, thus protecting them against future cardiac disorders linked to a sedentary lifestyle.
“Of course, the practice of tai chi is only an alternative to cardiac rehabilitation, so the effectiveness remains higher, analyze the researchers, who published their work in the journal Journal of the American Heart Association. In addition, after a myocardial infarction, a balanced diet and education on risk factors are essential. “
Of Chinese origin, tai chi is a gentle gymnastics halfway between martial arts and meditation: with its slow and precise movements, it fights stress and improves flexibility, digestion and breathing. Tai chi, it’s all good!
Read also :
Seniors: tai chi to avoid falls
Qigong and tai chi, two popular Chinese disciplines for relaxation
What sports to practice during menopause?