Exercise training is part of any cardiac rehab program. It's been shown to improve exercise tolerance in patients with angina, those who've had a heart attack, and those who have had angioplasty, bypass surgery or a heart transplant. The most consistent benefits occurred in those who underwent exercise training at least three times a week for 12 weeks or longer.

In a review of the literature on exercise training in people with heart disease, no increase in cardiovascular complications or other serious adverse outcomes were reported. The participants also showed improvements in symptoms, blood lipid levels, psychosocial well-being, and mortality.

Since this is national Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, it's a good time to ask your doctor if you should be taking part in a cardiac rehab or exercise training program.

Related information Lifestyle changes - Exercise

Source: Recovering from heart problems through cardiac rehabilitation. American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.