A rapid review and analysis of existing research looked at exercise training recommendations for cardiovascular rehabilitation. It focused on patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, or atrial fibrillation who are in cardiac rehab programs. The review compared high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to moderate-to-vigorous continuous exercise training (MICT).
The main finding was that HIIT can be used to improve exercise capacity in these patients. For patients with coronary artery disease, the review suggested HIIT might be superior to MICT. For patients with heart failure, the review indicated they could be considered for either HIIT or MICT. It also noted that any HIIT interval duration could be used as part of a cardiac rehab program.
It is important to be careful with this information. This report is a pre-print, meaning it has not yet gone through the full formal review process by a medical journal and may be subject to change. It does not represent official medical guidance. The review did not report on safety concerns, adverse events, or specific effect sizes. Readers should understand this is an early look at existing research, not a final recommendation. Anyone with heart conditions should talk to their doctor before starting any new exercise program.
