[Possibilities of training for marathon races after myocardial infarction]

The arguments against participation in marathon races after myocardial infarction are critically discussed. It can be demonstrated that most patients undergoing post-infarction rehabilitation have the physiological characteristics required to complete the necessary training. However, psychological and social considerations reduce the potential candidates to 33-50% of a typical sample, and only 1 or 2% of these would accept the demands of such an intensive training. So far, we are encouraged by the safety of marathon races for patients who are well trained and closely monitored. In addition, the influence of the training programme on smoking, serum lipid levels and heart work seems to be impressive. Participants are much less depressed, and a growing enthusiasm can be perceived in those of their colleagues who have a lesser reserve of cardiac function.