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Evidence summary (Updated 2022)
A small body of good quality randomised controlled data shows physical activity will have improve left ventricular ejection fraction(1–3).
A more recent review showed that while left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly improved (MD = 2.82, 95% CI [1.50, 4.14], p < 0.05); left ventricular end diastolic diameter was not significantly improved with exercise interventions.(4)
When considering types of physical activity, HIIT has been shown to generally have better evidence supporting improvements in LVEF in patients after PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) in a SR and MA of 6 RCTs of 247 patients.(5)
Quality of Evidence
B – moderate quality
Strength of recommendation
1 – strong recommendation
Conclusion
Physical activity can be recommended to improve the coronary flood flow in most patients with ischaemic heart disease and should be undertaken unless there are compelling reasons to do so.
References
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