Cor Vasa 2026, 68(1):100-110 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.099

(Physical activity and exercise in the prevention of coronary heart disease: implications for clinical practice)

Ladislav Baťalík^a-d, Bogna Jiravská Godula^e, Libor Jelínek^f, Eliška Sovová^f

^a Katedra fyzioterapie a rehabilitace, Lékařská fakulta Masarykovy univerzity, Brno, Česká republika

^b Rehabilitační klinika, Fakultní nemocnice Brno, Brno, Česká republika

^c Rehabilitační klinika, Lékařská fakulta Masarykovy univerzity, Brno, Česká republika

^d Ústav veřejného zdraví, Lékařská fakulta Masarykovy univerzity, Brno, Česká republika

^e Centrum sportovní kardiologie, Kardiocentrum, Nemocnice AGEL Třinec-Podlesí, Třinec, Česká republika

^f Centrum sportovní kardiologie, Klinika tělovýchovného lékařství a kardiovaskulární rehabilitace, Lékařská fakulta Univerzity Palackého v Olomouci a Fakultní nemocnice Olomouc, Olomouc, Česká republika

Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant global health problem. Regular physical activity and exercise are among the most effective interventions for primary and secondary prevention. Epidemiological data show that even low to moderate levels of regular physical activity reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. The underlying mechanisms include favorable changes in traditional risk factors and direct vascular effects. Conversely, physical inactivity is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and overall mortality. In secondary prevention, participation in structured cardiac rehabilitation programs significantly reduces the risk of reinfarction, hospitalizations, and mortality. Initial screening and individual exercise prescription following the "Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type - Progression (FITT-P)" principles are essential for the safety and effectiveness of these interventions. Both continuous and interval exercise modalities are used in practice, emphasizing individual choice based on clinical status and patient preference. Modern digital technologies facilitate remote rehabilitation and home-based programs, overcoming common participation barriers and improving adherence. Tracking daily step counts can serve as a simple and motivating indicator for the general population, with even small increases delivering significant health benefits. Effective implementation of physical activity in clinical practice requires a multidisciplinary approach, continuous patient and healthcare provider education, and active use of available technologies, potentially significantly improving the prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease.

Keywords: Cardiac rehabilitation, Coronary heart disease, Exercise, Physical activity, Prevention

Received: August 4, 2025; Revised: September 4, 2025; Accepted: September 8, 2025; Prepublished online: June 2, 2012; Published: March 15, 2026  Show citation