Increases exercise tolerance

One of the most favorable outcomes of exercise training is an increase in exercise tolerance.  Studies have shown that participation in an exercise program does not increase the risks of cardiovascular complications or other serious adverse outcomes.   This is particularly beneficial to patients who complain of general weakness or who can't perform routine tasks without stopping to rest.

Increases strength

Resistance training, or weight training, is typically recommended to patients who have skeletal muscle weakness.  The training increases muscle strength and can help patients perform their activities of daily living (i.e. carrying groceries, picking up grandchildren, lifting boxes or trash bags, etc.).

Helps with smoking cessation

A combination of education, counseling and behavioral interventions promotes smoking cessation and reduces the relapse rate.

Lowers blood lipid levels

Education, counseling, and behavioral interventions about nutrition, with and without lipid lowering medication therapy, result in significant improvement in blood lipid levels.

Promotes psychological well-being

Participation has been shown to improve the sense of well-being among the participants.  The formation of social support networks, peer and professional support groups and counseling may decrease depression and anxiety and increase self-confidence.

Decreases mortality

Total and cardiovascular mortality rates are lower in patients who participate in a cardiac rehab program following a heart attack.

Promotes regression or limits progression of atherosclerosis

Exercise training combined with intensive dietary interventions can result in regression or the limitation of progression of coronary atherosclerosis.

Improves symptoms

Exercise training and education decreases angina in patients with Coronary Heart Disease and decreases the symptoms of heart failure patients with left ventricular dysfunction.