Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a ten-week cardiac rehabilitation program on selected coronary heart disease (CHD) and blood clotting risk factors in 14 cardiac patients. Comparisons of before and after program values showed a significant reduction in body weight, diastolic blood pressure, and triglyceride concentration. Mileage covered per exercise session increased significantly. Serum cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate values showed moderate but nonsignificant positive changes. Results of this study suggest that ten weeks of cardiac rehabilitation can enhance certain CHD risk factors while reducing others. However, a cardiac patient may require years of rehabilitation with careful attention to diet and medication to effectively reduce risk factors. Verf.-Referat