[Life-long regular physical exercise is crucial in coronary disease]

Coronary heart disease, i.e. angina pectoris or myocardial infarction, is one of our most common diseases. Age, gender and heredity, as well as smoking, hypertension, physical inactivity, diabetes, overweight and stress are risk factors for the disease. Regular physical activity and exercise training positively influences several of these risk factors at the same time. The prescription for physical activity and training is life long and should include fitness as well as strength and endurance training. It is of great importance that the first period of rehabilitation, after an acute event, is carried out under supervision, preferably by a specialised physiotherapist. When the condition is stabilised, in most of the cases after 2-3 months, the training may be continued outside the hospital. Suitable activities are daily walks, jogging, cycling, swimming, aerobics, dance, ballgames etc depending on interest and physical condition.