title: Exercise and coronary heart disease: role in primary prevention.
abstract: Physical fitness programs for healthy people have gained popularity throughout the world. Available scientific studies, none of which is ideal, suggest that those engaged in vigorous activity at work or in leisure hours have a reduced risk of coronary events. The possible mechanisms for this have been reviewed. A balanced exercise program (including endurance, flexibility, and strength activities) should be prescribed on an individual basis, after appropriate baseline testing. Target heart rates should be assigned. Risks and precautions should be discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000209:etiology; D005082:Physical Exertion; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012306:Risk; D013997:Time Factors