Cardiovascular and metabolic effects of exercise: the strong case for conditioning

Exercise prescription. Not just for cardiac patients

Exercise can be prescribed for many patients depending on the type, frequency, duration, and intensity of the activity. The patient's interests and goals must be balanced with the fitness profile. For maximum benefit, exercise should be performed regularly--three times per week on an every-other-day basis, with each training session lasting 35 to 45 minutes. Contraindications to exercise depend on the type of activity and the health status of the participant.

Rehabilitation of the cardiac patient. Program phases and rationale

Management of cardiac patients has clearly changed, with increasing encouragement of early activity. The four-part rehabilitation program described here begins in the coronary care unit and continues well past discharge from hospital.

Clinical guidelines for exercise training

Exercise training may be useful for a variety of patients with and without established cardiovascular disease. The degree to which a patient participates in a prescribed exercise program depends strongly on initial motivation. The primary care physician can provide appropriate reinforcement with careful explanation of the effects of exercise on cardiovascular and metabolic function. Exercise programs may be combined effectively with other life-style adjustments, including weight loss, blood pressure control, and discontinuation of smoking. As a single intervention factor, exercise cannot prevent the evolution of cardiovascular disease in multiple-risk patients. Exercise is best used in combination with a program of comprehensive cardiovascular risk factor modification.