Physical Exercise and Coronary Artery Plaque Composition

Physical Exercise and Coronary Artery Plaque Composition

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of two different physical exercise protocols on changes in coronary artery plaque composition and development of in-stent restenosis in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation. The investigators will compare aerobic interval training and moderate continuous training. Both exercise protocols have a duration of 12 weeks. The investigators hypothesize that aerobic interval training is superior to moderate continuous training regarding effects on the composition of coronary artery plaques and a reduction in the development of in-stent restenosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• stable or unstable coronary artery disease treated with percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation,
• informed patient consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• ST-elevation myocardial infarction,
• inability to give informed consent,
• inability to participate in regular training due to residency, work situation or comorbidity,
• any known chronic inflammatory disease other than atherosclerosis,
• planned surgery within the next four months