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Review
. 2009 Apr;84(4):373-83.
doi: 10.1016/S0025-6196(11)60548-X.

Exercise training and cardiac rehabilitation in primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease

Carl J Lavie  1 , Randal J Thomas, Ray W Squires, Thomas G Allison, Richard V Milani
Affiliations
Review

Exercise training and cardiac rehabilitation in primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease

Carl J Lavie et al. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009 Apr.

Abstract

Substantial data have established a sedentary lifestyle as a major modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Increased levels of physical activity, exercise training, and overall cardiorespiratory fitness have provided protection in the primary and secondary prevention of CHD. This review surveys data from observational studies supporting the benefits of physical activity, exercise training, and overall cardiorespiratory fitness in primary prevention. Clearly, cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention (CRSP) programs have been greatly underused by patients with CHD. We review the benefits of CRSP programs on CHD risk factors, psychological factors, and overall CHD morbidity and mortality. These data support the routine referral of patients with CHD to CRSP programs. Patients should be vigorously encouraged to attend these programs.

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Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Median levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) before and after cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training in patients with and without the metabolic syndrome (MetS). From Am J Cardiol, with permission.
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 2.
Several reasons for interest by medical practices in the evaluation and treatment of psychosocial stress. CHD = coronary heart disease. Adapted from J Am Coll Cardiol, with permission.
FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 3.
Effect of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training on mortality rates in 139 patients with baseline depression. From Am J Med, with permission.
FIGURE 4.
FIGURE 4.
Prevalence of depression and subsequent mortality based on changes in peak oxygen consumption (VO2) during cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training. *P<.001 compared with VO2 loss. From Am J Med, with permission.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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