AMOUNT OF EXERCISE NECESSARY FOR THE PATIENT WITH CORONARY-ARTERY DISEASE

Exercise training appears to play an important role in the medical management of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The salutary effects of chronic exercise training are well documented. Low to moderate intensity exercise training can produce beneficial changes in aerobic capacity, cardiac function, coronary risk factors, psychosocial well-being, and possibly improve survival. There are, however, limitations to the benefits that exercise offers relative to the rehabilitation of patients with CAD. Contrary to the speculation of a few enthusiasts, regular exercise training, regardless of the frequency, intensity or duration, does not confer "immunity" to CAD or, for that matter, recurrent myocardial infarction. Unless future studies can show that the added benefits of excessive and/or high-intensity exercise outweigh the potential risks, it appears prudent to recommend more moderate exercise regimens for patients with CAD.