Distance running and cardiac rehabilitation: physiologic and psychosocial considerations

Long distance jogging, one of the most effective forms of endurance training, can be shown to bring about beneficial morphologic, biochemical, and vascular changes in the heart, the net effect being improved hemodynamic performance. Peripheral changes also contribute to the development of a more efficient oxygen transport system. In individuals with coronary artery disease, symptoms are reduced, depression alleviated, the plasma lipid profile favorably altered, and the cardiovascular system rendered less susceptible to stress. Whether or not exercise per se improves prognosis in coronary artery disease remains unproved, but in view of the other benefits, and since, properly prescribed and supervised, it has not been shown to be harmful, exercise programs are advocated.