Formal exercise programs can reduce the death rate in heart attack patients by what percentage?

Formal exercise programs can reduce the death rate in heart attack patients by what percentage?

• A. 10-15%
• B. 30-40%
• C. 5-10%
• D. 20-25%

Answer: (D)

Structured cardiac rehabilitation, which combines supervised exercise with risk-factor management after a heart attack, lowers mortality. The death rate is reduced by about 20-25% for patients who participate in a formal exercise program. This benefit comes from improved aerobic fitness and endothelial function, plus favorable changes in risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose control, and weight, along with better adherence to medications and lifestyle changes. In short, regular, supervised exercise after a myocardial infarction helps the heart work more efficiently and reduces the likelihood of reinfarction or fatal arrhythmias, leading to roughly one-fifth to one-quarter fewer deaths.

Structured cardiac rehabilitation, which combines supervised exercise with risk-factor management after a heart attack, lowers mortality. The death rate is reduced by about 20-25% for patients who participate in a formal exercise program. This benefit comes from improved aerobic fitness and endothelial function, plus favorable changes in risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose control, and weight, along with better adherence to medications and lifestyle changes. In short, regular, supervised exercise after a myocardial infarction helps the heart work more efficiently and reduces the likelihood of reinfarction or fatal arrhythmias, leading to roughly one-fifth to one-quarter fewer deaths.