Eduardo Rivas-Estany
Heart disease, particularly ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in Cuba, also showing a high prevalence. The benefits of physical exercise in primary and secondary prevention of this disease have been pointed out, also the favorable effects of physical training in relation to quality of life, morbidity and mortality of patients with cardiovascular diseases. To design an exercise regimen it is necessary to take into account the "fundamental principles of physical training": type of exercise, intensity, duration, frequency and individualization. The main objective of a program of exercise is to increase the quality and quantity of life of patients, allowing them to return to community life as normally as possible, active and productive. To test the effectiveness of this program, periodic assessments can be made by the appropriate health care level specialists. One of the main benefits expected from the implementation of this exercise program is that a vast majority of patients may be reinstated earlier and in better condition to their work or social activities. It is also expected an improvement in functional capacity, symptom relief, reduction in the consumption of prescribed drugs, decreased anxiety and the usually observed depression in these patients. It will be observed, an important preservation of the role of the patient in their family and social life, all of which will produce significant socio-economic benefits.