Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty Compared With Exercise Training in Symptomatic Coronary Artery Disease

Inclusion Criteria: Angiographically documented CAD, with at least one coronary artery stenosis of more than 50% in a native segment never subjected to intervention, which is recommended for treatment with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Stable coronary artery disease Eligible patients could be asymptomatic or have class I to III angina (Canadian Cardiovascular Society [CCS]) with documented myocardial ischemia Angina pectoris threshold > 50 Watt (cycle ergometry) Permanent residence should be within 25 km of training facility. Exclusion Criteria: < 18 or > 70 years of age Patient currently participating in an exercise training program Unstable angina pectoris or myocardial infarction during the last 2 weeks Symptoms of CCS class IV Exercise limitations due to clinical conditions not related to CAD Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of < 40% Ventricular arrhythmia (Lown Ivb) Hemodynamically significant valvular heart disease Previous cardiac surgery PTCA performed during the last 12 months Any major non-cardiac condition that would adversely affect survival during the duration of the study Reduced compliance