Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Physical Exercise on Aerobic Capacity in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

By 2030, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals aim to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by one-third. Among these, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)-including coronary heart disease and stroke-are the most common NCDs globally.

In recent years, myocardial infarction (MI) has emerged as one of the most potentially fatal coronary events, alongside coronary artery disease (CAD). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 17.9 million people died in 2019 from CVDs, accounting for 32% of all global deaths. Of these, approximately 85% were due to MI and stroke. In Europe, CVDs are responsible for around 4 million deaths annually, representing about 47% of total mortality, with most cases associated with coronary disease. In the United States, the American Heart Association has estimated that approximately 15 million individuals over the age of 20 live with ischemic heart disease, affecting 6.4% of the population.

In the context of cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention, exercise training (ET) should be a core component of rehabilitation programs for cardiac patients. Its practice has been shown to improve exercise tolerance, quality of life, functional capacity, and performance in work-related physical tasks, while also reducing cardiovascular risk factors and cardiac mortality. Several studies have demonstrated that regular physical activity significantly enhances aerobic capacity in this population, leading to reduced cardiovascular risk and improved quality of life.

In terms of metabolic equivalents (METs), improved aerobic capacity is reflected by an increased oxygen uptake during physical activity, which enables patients to perform daily tasks with less effort and reduces strain on the cardiovascular system. Moreover, adherence to exercise programs has been identified as a key factor in achieving sustainable cardiovascular health benefits. However, adherence remains a challenge, particularly among patients with chronic diseases.

For this reason, there is a need for specific exercise programs that promote the modification of risk factors, support early intervention in cardiovascular patients, and enhance adherence to therapeutic interventions. These approaches could positively impact morbidity and mortality in this population and provide critical evidence for designing more effective cardiovascular rehabilitation strategies.