[Sports, physical activity and risk for coronary heart disease (author's transl)]

In a review of the current literature, the importance of physical activity in the primary prevention of coronary heart disease is critically analyzed. The main results concerning a direct protective effect of physical training remain controversial. The problems of such epidemiological studies become apparent. Still, there seems to be evidence that a certain amount of physical activity, particularly during leisure time, has beneficial effects on known coronary risk factors such as high serum triglycerides and free fatty acids, obesity, high blood pressure as well as smoking habits and, thus, may reduce the coronary risk indirectly inducing psychological effects and changes in life-style.