[Coronary artery disease and sport practice].

Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for many deaths in our western societies. Practice of sport activities can decrease their occurrence and improve the prognosis of the patients already affected. The practice of a sport, however, presents an increased cardiovascular risk during its realization (sudden death, myocardial infarction, etc.). An assessment of the risk of complication is necessary before allowing patients with ischemic heart disease to practice a sport activity. Sport activities in competitions are discouraged for most patients, but for the majority, recreational activities should be encouraged. A regular medical follow-up is necessary as well as a respect of instructions of good sport practice.