Heart Disease (General)

Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

All 9 studies with a clear result found a benefit.

A 2025 meta-analysis of randomized trials found improvement in RER, while other outcomes were inconclusive. A 2023 meta-analysis found HIIT had similar or superior effects on quality of life and mental health compared with MICT in people with cardiovascular disease.

Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.

A 2025 RCT in 40 people with cardiovascular disease found improvements in DASS-21 scores, emotion regulation and self-compassion. Another report described physical and mental quality-of-life improvements maintained at 6-month follow-up.

Too few or too small studies to know if it works.

2 of 3 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.

Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded reported improved Peak VO₂ and 6MWT distance, alongside changes in some measures of heart function. Findings also include a surrogate echocardiographic marker rather than patient-important outcomes, and another measured endpoint was not significant.

Too few or too small studies to know if it works.

The one study found a benefit.

Too few or too small studies to know if it works.

The one study found a benefit.

A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found a reduction in total cholesterol across 8 trials, but LDL reduction was not statistically significant; GRADE certainty was very low.

Too few or too small studies to know if it works.

All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.

A trial in 66 participants found preoperative deep breathing exercises with incentive spirometry reduced postoperative pulmonary complications, mechanical ventilation time, and ICU and hospital stay, while improving oxygenation compared with routine care. A review also reported reduced anxiety in people undergoing angiography or recovering from myocardial infarction.

Too few or too small studies to know if it works.

The one study found a benefit.

In a pilot study involving 20 clinically stable male CVD patients, a cycling device elicited moderate-to-vigorous intensity within CR training ranges, with no significant adverse cardiac events.

Too few or too small studies to know if it works.

The one study found a benefit.

A 2020 trial studied yoga added to cardiac rehabilitation in 70 male patients aged 45-65 with STEMI treated by angioplasty.

The authors of a case report raised concern that people with chronic heart disease may be predisposed to heat stroke from prolonged warm bathing; this was not observed in the case.

The cardiovascular demands of heat and exercise may be dangerous for people with unstable angina, a recent heart attack, or uncontrolled heart failure.

Unstable angina or a recent cardiac event can raise the risk of arrhythmia or ischemia during exertion. Calisthenics should be deferred until medical clearance.

The high cardiovascular demand of jump rope can exacerbate unstable angina, decompensated heart failure, severe aortic stenosis, or uncontrolled arrhythmias, risking acute cardiac events.

Exercise is contraindicated during acute decompensated heart failure or unstable angina, even at low intensity, because it increases myocardial demand.

Unstable angina, a recent myocardial infarction, or decompensated heart failure can increase the risk of adverse cardiac events during moderate-intensity activity such as social dancing.

A 2015 review cautioned that Thai traditional massage may alter cardiac function and could be problematic for people with underlying cardiovascular disease.

Long walks on hilly or uneven forest trails, especially far from medical help, can bring on chest pain or heart rhythm problems in people with severe or unstable heart disease, including after a recent heart attack, with unstable angina, or with uncontrolled heart failure.