Table 1.

Plausible mechanisms for exercise/coronary heart disease protection

1) Improved endothelial function

2) Attenuated plaque progression/regression and outward remodeling

3) Stabilization of vulnerable plaques preventing plaque rupture

4) Infarct sparing due to myocardial preconditioning

5) Correction of autonomic imbalance

6) Reduction in myocardial oxygen demand

7) Decreased thrombosis

8) Enhanced collateralization

9) Decreased inflammatory mediator release from skeletal muscle and adipose tissue