Interventions to support return to work for people with coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND: People with coronary heart disease (CHD) often require prolonged absences from work to convalesce after acute disease events like myocardial infarctions (MI) or revascularisation procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Reduced functional capacity and anxiety due to CHD may further delay or prevent return to work. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of person- and work-directed interventions aimed at enhancing return to work in patients with coronary heart disease compared to usual care or no intervention. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the databases CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, NIOSHTIC, NIOSHTIC-2, HSELINE, CISDOC, and LILACS through 11 October 2018. We also searched the US National Library of Medicine registry, clinicaltrials.gov, to identify ongoing studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining return to work among people with CHD who were provided either an intervention or usual care. Selected studies included only people treated for MI or who had undergone either a CABG or PCI. At least 80% of the study population should have been working prior to the CHD and not at the time of the trial, or study authors had to have considered a return-to-work subgroup. We included studies in all languages. Two review authors independently selected the studies and consulted a third review author to resolve disagreements. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors extracted data and independently assessed the risk of bias. We conducted meta-analyses of rates of return to work and time until return to work. We considered the secondary outcomes, health-related quality of life and adverse events among studies where at least 80% of study participants were eligible to return to work. MAIN RESULTS: We found 39 RCTs (including one cluster- and four three-armed RCTs). We included the return-to-work results of 34 studies in the meta-analyses.Person-directed, psychological counselling versus usual careWe included 11 studies considering return to work following psychological interventions among a subgroup of 615 participants in the meta-analysis. Most interventions used some form of counselling to address participants' disease-related anxieties and provided information on the causes and course of CHD to dispel misconceptions. We do not know if these interventions increase return to work up to six months (risk ratio (RR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84 to 1.40; six studies; very low-certainty evidence) or at six to 12 months (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.63; seven studies; very low-certainty evidence). We also do not know if psychological interventions shorten the time until return to work. Psychological interventions may have little or no effect on the proportion of participants working between one and five years (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.34; three studies; low-certainty evidence).Person-directed, work-directed counselling versus usual careFour studies examined work-directed counselling. These counselling interventions included advising patients when to return to work based on treadmill testing or extended counselling to include co-workers' fears and misconceptions regarding CHD. Work-directed counselling may result in little to no difference in the mean difference (MD) in days until return to work (MD -7.52 days, 95% CI -20.07 to 5.03 days; four studies; low-certainty evidence). Work-directed counselling probably results in little to no difference in cardiac deaths (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.19 to 5.39; two studies; moderate-certainty evidence).Person-directed, physical conditioning interventions versus usual careNine studies examined the impact of exercise programmes. Compared to usual care, we do not know if physical interventions increase return to work up to six months (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.41; four studies; very low-certainty evidence). Physical conditioning interventions may result in little to no difference in return-to-work rates at six to 12 months (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.20; five studies; low-certainty evidence), and may also result in little to no difference on the rates of patients working after one year (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.30; two studies; low-certainty evidence). Physical conditioning interventions may result in little to no difference in the time needed to return to work (MD -7.86 days, 95% CI -29.46 to 13.74 days; four studies; low-certainty evidence). Physical conditioning interventions probably do not increase cardiac death rates (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.35 to 2.80; two studies; moderate-certainty evidence).Person-directed, combined interventions versus usual careWe included 13 studies considering return to work following combined interventions in the meta-analysis. Combined cardiac rehabilitation programmes may have increased return to work up to six months (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.98; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 5; four studies; low-certainty evidence), and may have little to no difference on return-to-work rates at six to 12 months' follow-up (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.13; 10 studies; low-certainty evidence). We do not know if combined interventions increased the proportions of participants working between one and five years (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.37; six studies; very low-certainty evidence) or at five years (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.38; four studies; very low-certainty evidence). Combined interventions probably shortened the time needed until return to work (MD -40.77, 95% CI -67.19 to -14.35; two studies; moderate-certainty evidence). Combining interventions probably results in little to no difference in reinfarctions (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.40; three studies; moderate-certainty evidence).Work-directed, interventionsWe found no studies exclusively examining strictly work-directed interventions at the workplace. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Combined interventions may increase return to work up to six months and probably reduce the time away from work. Otherwise, we found no evidence of either a beneficial or harmful effect of person-directed interventions. The certainty of the evidence for the various interventions and outcomes ranged from very low to moderate. Return to work was typically a secondary outcome of the studies, and as such, the results pertaining to return to work were often poorly reported. Adhering to RCT reporting guidelines could greatly improve the evidence of future research. A research gap exists regarding controlled trials of work-directed interventions, health-related quality of life within the return-to-work process, and adverse effects.

Return of a flight attendant to full duty following myocardial infarction and subsequent coronary artery bypass grafting through a high-intensity occupation-specific cardiovascular rehabilitation program.

Flight attendants play a vital role in the safety and security of air passengers during emergencies. A 61-year-old flight attendant who endured myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass graft surgery wanted to return to full duty. To meet airline requirements, he chose to participate in our occupation-specific, high-intensity performance training program. This patient returned to full duty as a flight attendant upon completion of this specialized cardiac rehabilitation program.

On-scene times and critical care interventions for an aeromedical retrieval service.

BACKGROUND: The Emergency Medical Retrieval Service (EMRS) provides an aeromedical retrieval service to remote and rural communities. Most of these facilities are unable to deliver Critical Care Interventions (CCI). CCI are delivered by the EMRS team prior to transfer of the patient to definitive care. This study addresses correlation between total on-scene times (TOST) and level of intervention delivered, and whether there is any variation in TOST between medical and trauma emergencies. METHODS: Prospective data were collected on EMRS secondary retrievals over a 5-year period from GP-led facilities. Data were collected on the CCI undertaken by EMRS during TOST prior to transfer of the patient. Interventions undertaken were scored using TISS-76. Correlation was analysed using Spearman's coefficient and differences between groups analysed using Mann-Whitney tests. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.01. RESULTS: EMRS retrieved 308 patients suitable for inclusion. Complete data were available for 97% of patients (n=300). Underlying diagnosis was trauma in 26% (n=72) and medical in 74% (n=228). There was a significant correlation between TOST and TISS-76 for all EMRS patients. Spearman's coefficient of rank correlation was (ρ)=0.616 with p<0.0001. The median TOST for the medical group was 60 min and for the trauma group 60 min (point estimate for difference 0 min, 95% CI 10 to 10, p=0.951). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant relationship between TOST on-scene by the retrieval team and the level of intervention delivered to patients. The present data do not support the assertion that there is a difference in TOST for medical and trauma patients.

"Keep Your Move in the Tube" safely increases discharge home following cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Restrictive sternal precautions intended to prevent cardiac surgery patients from damaging healing sternotomies lack supporting evidence and may decrease independence and increase postacute care utilization. Data regarding the impact of alternative approaches on safety and outcomes are needed to guide evidence-based best practices. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether an approach allowing greater freedom during activities of daily living than permitted under commonly used restrictive sternal precautions can safely decrease postacute care utilization. DESIGN: Before-and-after study, using propensity score adjustment to account for differences in patient clinical and demographic characteristics, surgery type, and surgeon. SETTING: 600-bed acute care hospital. INTERVENTION: Beginning March 2016, the acute care hospital replaced traditional weight- and time-based precautions given to patients who underwent median sternotomy with the "Keep Your Move in the Tube" (KMIT) approach for mindfully performing movements involved in the activities of daily living, guided by pain. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The study compared sternal wound complications, discharge disposition, 30-day readmission, and functional status between consecutive cardiac surgery patients with "independent" or "modified independent" preoperative functional status who underwent median sternotomy in the 1.5 years before (n = 627, standard precautions group) and after (n = 477, KMIT group) KMIT implementation. RESULTS: The odds of discharge to home, versus to inpatient rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility, were ~3 times higher for KMIT than standard precautions patients (risk-adjusted odds ratio [rOR], 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.90, 1.95-4.32, and 3.03, 1.57-5.86, respectively). KMIT patients also had significantly higher odds of demonstrating "independent" or "modified independent" functional status on final inpatient physical therapy treatment for bed mobility (rOR, 95% CI = 7.51, 5.48-10.30) and transfers (rOR, 95% CI = 3.40, 2.62-4.42). No significant difference was observed in sternal wound complications (in-hospital or causing readmission) (rOR, 95% CI = 1.27, 0.52-3.09) or all-cause 30-day readmissions (rOR, 95% CI = 0.55, 0.23-1.33). CONCLUSIONS: KMIT increases discharge-to-home for cardiac surgery patients without increasing risk for adverse events and reducing utilization of expensive institutional postacute care.

Continuous blood pressure monitoring during high-intensity resistance training after myocardial infarction or percutaneous coronary intervention in a phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation setting.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the maximum rate-pressure product of cardiac rehabilitation participants after myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, or both during high-intensity resistance training (HI-RT) using continuous blood pressure monitoring. Thirty-four individuals exercised on the leg press machine while being monitored with a continuous blood pressure monitor. The maximum rate-pressure product was significantly lower than the established safety threshold of 36,000 (P < 0.001), with a mean of 17,369 and standard deviation of 6634. Only 2% of observations had a value ≥36,000. These results suggest that cardiac rehabilitation patients can perform HI-RT while keeping their rate-pressure products under the safety threshold of 36,000 after myocardial infarction/percutaneous coronary intervention. Performance of HI-RT exercises contributes to return to precardiac event occupations, and continuous blood pressure monitoring may be an effective tool in evaluating the safety of HI-RT in this patient population.

Exercise training with cycle ergometry in the intensive care unit after total artificial heart implantation.

A 53-year-old male mountain biker received a total artificial heart and remained in the cardiovascular intensive care unit for 56 days. To reduce functional decline caused by inactivity, he performed a six-session cycle ergometer exercise program in his hospital room. Traditional cardiac responses for exercise prescription were not applicable; therefore, a symptom-limited, monitored progression scheme in conjunction with recommendations for the artificial heart was implemented to modify duration and intensity. Over the six sessions, the patient improved his distance pedaled by 320% and functional capacity by 1 metabolic equivalent. He was subsequently discharged from the hospital and later successfully transplanted without readmission.

The utility of boxing for cardiac prehabilitation.

A 56-year-old man with end-stage heart failure performed a 4-week, symptom-limited, progressive inpatient cardiac prehabilitation program while confined to the cardiovascular intensive care unit awaiting heart transplantation. Mobility was limited by an acute gout flare and multiple central venous access lines. He received a tailored prescription of intermittent boxing, supervised hallway ambulation, stair training, and golfing on a putting green on four consecutive weekdays and was encouraged to mobilize with nursing on the remaining days. The patient progressed and by the last week demonstrated increased activity tolerance. He had a successful transplant after 40 days in the intensive care unit and was discharged with stamina sufficient to participate in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation, demonstrating the value, safety, and feasibility of an individualized inpatient cardiac prehabilitation program for patients with advanced cardiac disease medically confined to the intensive care unit.

A randomized trial of oral DHEA treatment for sexual function, well-being, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women with low libido.

INTRODUCTION: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate DHEAS, which are the most abundant steroids in women, decline with age. We have shown association between low sexual function and low circulating DHEAS levels in women. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether restoration of circulating DHEA levels in postmenopausal women to the levels seen in young individuals improves sexual function. METHODS: Ninety-three postmenopausal women not using concurrent estrogen therapy were enrolled in a 52-week randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial and received either DHEA 50 mg or placebo (PL) daily. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficacy was assessed through 26 weeks. The main outcome measures were the change in total satisfying sexual events (SSE) and the change in the Sabbatsberg Sexual Self-Rating Scale (SSS) total score. Secondary measures were the Psychological General Well-Being Questionnaire (PGWB), and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Hormonal levels, adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events (SAEs) and clinical labs were evaluated over 52 weeks. RESULTS: Eighty-five participants (91%) were included in the 26-week efficacy analysis. There were no significant differences between the DHEA and PL groups in the change in total SSE per month or the SSS, PGWB, and MENQOL change scores. Overall AE reports and number of withdrawals as a result of AEs were similar in both groups; however more women in the DHEA group experienced androgenic effects of acne and increased hair growth. CONCLUSIONS: In this study treatment of postmenopausal women with low sexual desire with 50 mg/day DHEA resulted in no significant improvements in sexual function over PL therapy over 26 weeks.

A randomized controlled trial of a controlled breathing protocol on heart rate variability following myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a controlled breathing programme increases heart rate variability following an acute myocardial infarction and/or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. RATIONALE: Heart rate variability is reduced following a myocardial infarction, and low heart rate variability is associated with a high mortality risk. By changing tidal volume and rate of breathing, individuals can alter beat-to-beat heart rate variability. It is hypothesized that heart rate increases with inspiration and decreases with exhalation, and that deep slow breathing enhances respiratory sinus arrhythmia, increasing heart rate variability. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Cardiac rehabilitation programme at a large academic medical centre in North Texas. SUBJECTS: From 2001 to 2005, 44 patients, age 46-65 years, who had a myocardial infarction and/or undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery 1-8 weeks previously and were referred to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomized to either usual cardiac rehabilitation or cardiac rehabilitation with controlled breathing (6 breaths/min for 10 minutes twice daily during the eight-week treatment period). MAIN MEASURES: Weekly measurements of total power and standard deviation of the mean normal to normal RR interval (SDNN), and fortnightly measurements of respiratory sinus arrhythmia were taken using Biocom Technologies Heart Rhythm Scanner and Tracker software. RESULTS: No significant difference in change were seen between groups in SDNN (P = 0.3984), baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (P = 0.6556) or total power (P = 0.6184). CONCLUSION: Results suggest participation in the controlled breathing programme offered no additional benefit in increasing heart rate variability following myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. However, 77% of study patients were on heart rate-lowering medications, which may have masked changes in heart rate variability.

Comparison of reflex, resistance training, and core activities using change in blood pressure over time after spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

A 53-year-old female athlete with spontaneous coronary artery dissection, acute myocardial infarction, and infrarenal abdominal aortic dissection enrolled in a 6-week cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) program. During CR sessions, the patient performed a combination of aerobic, resistance training, and core activities. In the final CR session, the patient performed reflex activities and the forced Valsalva maneuver. The patient's electrocardiogram, blood pressure, heart rate, and transient change in blood pressure over time were continuously monitored and recorded. The patient completed CR without negative symptoms or adverse events.

An Evidence-Based Perspective on Movement and Activity Following Median Sternotomy.

Cardiac surgery via median sternotomy is performed in over 1 million patients per year worldwide. Despite evidence, sternal precautions in the form of restricted arm and trunk activity are routinely prescribed to patients following surgery to prevent sternal complications. Sternal precautions may exacerbate loss of independence and prevent patients from returning home directly after hospital discharge. In addition, immobility and deconditioning associated with restricting physical activity potentially contribute to the negative sequelae of median sternotomy on patient symptoms, physical and psychosocial function, and quality of life. Interpreting the clinical impact of sternal precautions is challenging due to inconsistent definitions and applications globally. Following median sternotomy, typical guidelines involve limiting arm movement during loaded lifting, pushing, and pulling for 6 to 8 weeks. This perspective paper proposes that there is robust evidence to support early implementation of upper body activity and exercise in patients recovering from median sternotomy while minimizing risk of complications. A clinical paradigm shift is encouraged, one that encourages a greater amount of controlled upper body activity, albeit modified in some situations, and less restrictive sternal precautions. Early screening for sternal complication risk factors and instability followed by individualized progressive functional activity and upper body therapeutic exercise is likely to promote optimal and timely patient recovery. Substantial research documenting current clinical practice of sternal precautions, early physical therapy, and cardiac rehabilitation provides support and the context for understanding why a less restrictive and more active plan of care is warranted and recommended for patients following a median sternotomy.

Specificity of training in cardiac rehabilitation to facilitate a patient's return to strenuous work following aortic valve replacement.

A 30-year-old male roughneck worker on an oil rig underwent aortic valve replacement and subsequently enrolled in the Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program. He expressed a strong desire to return to his physically demanding job. Based on his unique job requirements, CR staff designed and implemented comprehensive tests and a 5-week specific physical training program that included 6 exercises simulating his job functions. The selected exercises are not typically prescribed in traditional CR programs but mimicked the muscular strength/endurance required to perform his job. The goals set for each of the 6 specific exercises were accomplished and resulted in the patient rapidly regaining his muscular strength through the specially designed training program. The exercise regimen was successfully completed without adverse signs or symptoms and enabled the patient to return to work within approximately 2 months of completion.

High-intensity, sport-specific cardiac rehabilitation training of a 22-year-old competitive cyclist after spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

A 22-year-old man with spontaneous coronary artery dissection wanted to assess the feasibility of returning to competitive cycling. He was referred to the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program at Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital where staff designed a high-intensity, sport-specific training program that simulated the movements and forces associated with his goal activity. The program was symptom limited and enabled the patient to train earlier and at a higher intensity than is typically allowed in conventional CR programs. Daily exercise training was customized to match the physical demands of competitive cycling by using a road bike, an indoor bike power trainer, and an interactive indoor-cycling software program. This case illustrates how specialized CR training, tailored to a patient's specific goals, can aid in the return to vigorous physical activity. He completed the high-intensity exercise training program without adverse signs or symptoms.

Risk factor outcome comparison between exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation, traditional care, and an educational workshop.

BACKGROUND: This study examined risk factor outcomes among patients who attended cardiac rehabilitation sessions, those who received traditional care, and those who attended Leap for Life workshops. METHODS: A non-equivalent, three-group design was used in this observational study. Baseline and 12-month measurements were collected for 217 participants. Analysis of covariance was performed to determine differences between groups on outcome variables. RESULTS: The only significant finding was in participants with an initial high-density lipoprotein value of less than 40. High-density lipoprotein levels increased more in the cardiac rehabilitation group than in the traditional care group (30.54 to 37.48 versus 30.17 to 33.67 [F= 4.577, p = .035]). CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, a strong case can be made for the transition to more individually intense and focused risk factor modification strategies for patients in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Measurement of Functional Capacity Requirements of Farmers: IMPLICATIONS FOR A CARDIAC REHABILITATION TRAINING PROGRAM.

PURPOSE: Updated cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and return-to-work guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) now include specificity of training for industrial athletes (exercise training that involves the muscle groups, movements, and energy systems that these patients use during occupational tasks). However, many CR facilities do not apply this principle, relying instead on the traditional protocol that consists primarily of aerobic exercise. This study was conducted to measure the metabolic cost of typical farming tasks and to compare 2 methods of calculating training intensities. METHODS: Metabolic data were collected from 28 participants (23 men and 5 women, aged 18 to 57 years) while they loaded 10 hay bales, dug a fence posthole, filled 8 seed hoppers, and shoveled grain. RESULTS: Mean metabolic equivalent levels during these activities were 5.9 to 7.6 and participants reached 60% to 70% of heart rate reserve (HRR). By comparison, their mean resting heart rate + 30 beats per minute (RHR+30, a traditional CR intensity level) represented only 28% of HRR. CONCLUSIONS: Participants in the current study performed farming tasks within the ACSM's recommended range of 40% to 80% of HRR, and the results suggest that training at RHR+30 would have been inadequate for helping a farmer return to work after a cardiac event. Using the study tasks as a basis, we described exercises that would be appropriate for the supervised resistance training of farmers in a CR setting.

Cardiac rehabilitation for a skydiver after aortic valve replacement for pure aortic regurgitation and resection of the ascending aorta complicated by active infective endocarditis and heart block requiring a pacemaker.

A professional skydiver underwent aortic valve and ascending aorta replacement complicated by infective endocarditis with root abscess and pacemaker implantation. He then enrolled in the Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program as part of its specificity of testing and exercise training facility. He performed specific skydiving cardiovascular and muscular strength tests at the beginning and the end of the CR program. His pacemaker was interrogated to ascertain any arrhythmias or lead displacement over the course of the CR program. Daily exercise training was customized to match the physical demands of skydiving, including two sessions at iFLY Dallas. Upon completion of the daily exercise sessions, the patient performed a simulated free-fall drop test. He then performed a true jump at Dallas Skydive Center and subsequently traveled to Arizona for a skydiving competition, where he performed 35 true jumps with no adverse events or symptoms. This case illustrates how CR, tailored to a patient's specific needs, can aid in the return to rigorous activity.

A new paradigm for post-cardiac event resistance exercise guidelines.

Existing guidelines for resistance exercise in cardiac rehabilitation are vague and/or overly restrictive, limiting the ability of cardiac rehabilitation programs to help patients achieve their desired levels of daily activity in a timely manner after cardiac events. This study examines the illogical nature of the existing guidelines in relation to the activities of daily living patients are expected or required to carry out during the period of cardiac rehabilitation and the existing recommendations for dynamic exercise in cardiac rehabilitation. An improved method is proposed for prescribing resistance exercise in cardiac rehabilitation. A tool is presented that stratifies the risk associated with each of 13 common resistance exercises for 3 cardiac rehabilitation diagnosis groups (myocardial infarction [MI], pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery) that, if used in conjunction with blood pressure and heart rate measurements, will safely facilitate more efficacious resistance training in cardiac rehabilitation patients. In conclusion, changing the approach to resistance exercise in cardiac rehabilitation will accelerate patients' return to their desired levels of daily activity, improving patient satisfaction and decreasing cardiac rehabilitation program attrition.

High-intensity interval training for intermittent claudication in a vascular rehabilitation program.

This article reports an observational study investigating the safety and effectiveness of a high-intensity interval exercise program for patients with peripheral arterial disease. Patients were asked to walk on a treadmill to maximal claudication pain six times in each exercise session, with 3-minute rests in between. Once a patient could walk continuously for 6 minutes without reaching maximal pain, speed and/or grade was increased. To account for the changes in speed and grade, patients' walking ability was measured as a rehabilitation score, calculated as the product of the two. A total of 47 patients were included in the study. Results showed overall improvement in the rehabilitation score with participation in the program, and specifically showed that participation in more exercise sessions led to greater improvement. Moreover, no adverse events occurred in the study patients, suggesting patients with peripheral arterial disease can safely tolerate high-intensity exercise programs.

High-intensity cardiac rehabilitation training of a commercial pilot who, after percutaneous coronary intervention, wanted to continue participating in a rigorous strength and conditioning program.

After undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention, a 64-year-old commercial pilot was referred to cardiac rehabilitation. His stated goals were to continue participating in a rigorous strength and conditioning program at a community workout facility and to resume working as a pilot. To help him meet those goals, we designed and implemented a regimen of high-intensity exercises, with quick transitions between a variety of tasks that are not typically included in cardiac rehabilitation programs (e.g., medicine ball throws, push-ups, dead lifts, squats, military presses, sprints, and lunges). The training was symptom limited, enabling the patient to reach extreme levels of physical exertion in a controlled, monitored setting. By studying his training data (heart rate, blood pressure, and rating of perceived exertion), we were able to give him specific recommendations for controlling his exercise intensity after graduating from our program. More than 18 months later, he continues to exercise vigorously 3 days per week and is working as a commercial pilot.