Adherence
In men with pre-existing ischaemic heart disease, increasing physical activity does not consistently reduce heart attack risk and may increase it, although it reduces case fatality.
If you have known heart disease, do not simply increase your activity level assuming it will prevent heart attacks. This study suggests higher activity might actually increase risk in this group, though it helps you survive an event better. Consult a doctor for a tailored, likely lower-intensity regimen.
Men with pre-existing ischaemic heart disease showed an increasing risk of heart attack with increasing levels of physical activity, but with a progressive decrease in case fatality.
Why this rating
Prospective cohort data, but the subgroup with pre-existing disease is smaller and the risk increase was not always statistically significant across all activity levels.
Source
Physical activity and ischaemic heart disease in middle-aged British men.
A. G. Shaper et al. · Heart · 1991
DOI 10.1136/hrt.66.5.384
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