Exercise in Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Exercise has assumed an important role in the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and, as one of the potentially modifiable risk factors, is also an important component of primary prevention efforts. This article briefly reviews exercise applications in coronary heart disease, hypertension, Type A behavior pattern, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. Although increased physical activity offers many potential physical and psychological benefits in CVD patients, all too often the benefits are not realized because of poor adherence to prescribed exercise regimens. Behavioral research indicates that manipulating the antecedents and consequences of physical activity can improve short-term exercise adherence; several studies also suggest that characteristics such as the intensity of the exercise may influence adherence. Exercise in CVD is a challenging area for future research in behavioral medicine.