Effects of different intensities of acute exercise on flow-mediated dilatation in patients with coronary heart disease.

It is known that regular exercise training improves endothelial dysfunction in coronary artery disease, but, little is known concerning different intensities of acute exercise on endothelial function. We evaluated anaerobic threshold and peak oxygen uptake level of acute exercise on flow-mediated dilatation in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Endothelium-independent vasoreactivity in patients showed a trend with increase at threshold level exercise; however, it was significantly decreased at peak level exercise. Moderate intensity exercise (nearly anaerobic threshold level) should be recommended a therapeutic and preventative strategy for starting of cardiac rehabilitation program in patients with coronary artery disease.