HUR Medical Concepts 2018 | Page 52

The role of strength training in cardiac rehabilitation Skeletal muscle is the primary tissue for glucose and triglyceride metabolism and a determinant of resting metabolic rate. Therefore, increase in muscle mass reduces multiple CAD risk factors. Cross-sectional studies have shown that muscular strength is inversely associated with all-cause mortality and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome independently of aerobic fitness levels. Furthermore, increased muscle mass can improve the individual’s ability to become more physically active, raise the basal metabolic rate, and in older people, improve the ability to perform activities of daily living, decrease fall risk, and increase the quality of life. Both research findings and clinical experience indicate that strength exercise is safe for stable CAD patients. For patients at moderate to elevated risk of adverse cardiac events, strength training can be safely undertaken with proper preparation, guidance, and surveillance. 52