People with heart disease should undertake regular exercise, as it will reduce their risk of premature death, experts have said.

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has launched the first recommendations on sport and physical activity for people with all types of heart disease.

The recommendations, which cover both leisure and competitive sports, are aimed at people with heart disease and conditions that raise the risk of heart disease, such as diabetes and obesity.

"With rising levels of obesity and sedentary lifestyles, promoting physical activity is more crucial now than ever before. Regular exercise not only prevents heart disease, but also reduces premature death in people with established heart disease," commented Prof Antonio Pelliccia, chairperson of the guidelines task force and chief of cardiology at the Institute of Sports Medicine and Science in Rome.

The recommendations state that in line with healthy adults of all ages, people with heart disease should exercise on most days, reaching a total of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise.

With moderate intensity, a person's heart and breathing rate should increase, but they should still be able to hold a conversation.

Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease and is caused by a build-up of fatty deposits on the inner walls of the arteries. If the arteries become completely blocked, this can cause a heart attack. However, the ESC said that most people with coronary artery disease can play competitive or amateur sports.

"People with long-standing coronary artery disease who wish to take up exercise for the first time should see their doctor first. The aim is to tailor the intensity of activity according to the individual risk of causing an acute event, such as a heart attack," Prof Pelliccia explained.

Regular, moderate physical activity is also recommended to prevent the most common heart rhythm disorder - atrial fibrillation - although those with atrial fibrillation who are taking anticoagulants to prevent stroke should avoid contact sports due to the risk of bleeding.

People with pacemakers should not be discouraged from playing sports either, except collision sports. However, they do need to tailor their choice of sport according to the underlying disease.

Meanwhile, people who are obese, have high blood pressure or have diabetes are recommended to undertake strength-building exercise, such as lifting light weights, at least three times a week, as well as moderate or vigorous aerobic exercise, such as cycling, running, or swimming.

"The chance of exercise triggering a cardiac arrest or heart attack is extremely low. However, people who are completely inactive and those with advanced heart disease should consult their doctor before taking up sports," commented Prof Sanjay Sharma, chairperson of the guidelines task force and professor of sports cardiology and inherited cardiac diseases at St George's, University of London.

He emphasised that physical activity "is good for everyone with heart disease and even small amounts are beneficial".

However, Prof Pelliccia added that anyone experiencing chest pain for more than 15 minutes should call an ambulance.

"If you find that exercise brings on palpitations or unusual shortness of breath or chest discomfort, scale back your activity and make an appointment to see your health professional," he said.

The recommendations are published in the European Heart Journal and can be viewed here.