title: Long-term secondary prevention programs after cardiac rehabilitation for the reduction of future cardiovascular events: focus on regular physical activity.
abstract: Cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention programs are recognized as integral to the comprehensive care of patients with coronary heart disease, and as such are recommended in most contemporary clinical practice guidelines. The interventions are aimed at reducing disability, optimizing cardiovascular risk reduction by drug therapy and promoting healthy behavior. Healthy lifestyle habits must be recognized as capable of substantially reducing the risk for cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease. This review highlights the recommended components of cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention programs, with special emphasis on regular physical activity.
authors.affiliation: Fondazione S. Maugeri, IRCCS, Istituto di Cassano Murge, Cassano Murge 70020 (Bari), Italy. domenico.scrutinio@fsm.it
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scrutinio
authors.forename: Pier Luigi
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Temporelli
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Passantino
authors.forename: Pantaleo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Giannuzzi
mesh_terms: D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009043:Motor Activity; D012307:Risk Factors; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013997:Time Factors