You can play sports safely with a heart condition

The benefits of physical activity outweigh the risks for most people with heart disease.

April 10, 2026

By Lynne Christensen, Staff Writer

Reviewed by James Sawalla Guseh, MD, Contributor

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Two men, one mature and one around 30, play pickleball as a doubles team.

"Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for cardiovascular health, and for most people it's safe to participate in sports," says Dr. James Sawalla Guseh, director of the Cardiovascular Performance Program at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. The key is to pick the right sport at the right intensity.

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About the Author

Lynne Christensen, Staff Writer

Lynne Christensen is a staff writer who contributes articles to Harvard Health Publishing’s flagship website and its four newsletters: the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Heart Letter, Harvard Women’s Health Watch, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch. She … See Full Bio

View all posts by Lynne Christensen

About the Reviewer

James Sawalla Guseh, MD, Contributor

Dr. James Sawalla Guseh is director of the Cardiovascular Performance Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. He trained at Harvard College and Harvard Medical School and completed … See Full Bio

View all posts by James Sawalla Guseh, MD

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