Physical exercise and its effects on coronary artery disease

The beneficial effects of physical exercise on stable coronary artery disease (CAD) have been shown by an increasing number of studies.Exercise training leads to an improved bioavailability of the endothelial nitric oxide and partially attenuates endothelial dysfunction. Further effects are an economization of ventricular function and a reduction of cardiovascular risk factors.In clinical studies exercise training was associated with a decreased total and cardiovascular mortality and a reduced angina pectoris threshold.Thus exercise training has developed to an evidence-based therapeutic option of stable CAD with a Class Ia recommendation in the guidelines.

202Highlights► Exercise training is a guideline-recommended treatment of coronary artery disease. ► Different pathophysiological effects of physical activity are discussed. ► Physical exercise partially attenuates endothelial dysfunction. ► Ventricular function is economized by exercise-induced afterload reduction. ► Exercise training reduces mortality of coronary artery disease in clinical studies.