Mixed
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) produces greater improvements in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) compared to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), primarily due to greater metabolic stress and mitochondrial biogenesis.
If you have stable heart disease, HIIT can boost your heart's efficiency (VO2peak) more than steady-state exercise. However, it is not strictly necessary for everyone. The most important factor is doing enough total exercise (energy expenditure). If you hate HIIT, do moderate exercise instead; just make sure you do enough of it. Always consult your doctor, and choose the intensity you can stick with long-term.
A significantly greater improvement in VO2peak was observed after HIIT, compared to MICT [by +1.40 mL/min/kg, in favour of HIIT; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–2.11; P < 0.001]. This greater improvement in VO2peak remained significant in CAD and HFrEF patients, separately.
Why this rating
Based on a comprehensive meta-analysis of 24 studies (n=1080) and large multicenter RCTs (SAINTEX-CAD, SMARTEX-HF), though some large trials showed no difference.
Source
Exercise intensity assessment and prescription in cardiovascular rehabilitation and beyond: why and how: a position statement from the Secondary Prevention and Rehabilitation Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology
Dominique Hansen et al. · European Journal of Preventive Cardiology · 2021
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