How did percutaneous coronary angioplasty compare to exercise training in stable coronary artery disease patients over 12 months?

Exercise training has been shown to significantly enhance maximal exercise tolerance in patients with stable coronary artery disease. This improvement is due to the physiological benefits of regular physical activity, which includes increased cardiovascular fitness, improved endothelial function, and enhanced muscular strength and endurance.

In contrast, while percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may relieve symptoms like angina and improve blood flow, it often does not lead to the same level of functional improvement in exercise capacity as consistent participation in exercise training. Studies indicate that while PCI can reduce symptoms, the overall enhancement of one's ability to perform physical activities tends to be greater with structured exercise regimes, which also provide additional health benefits beyond just the heart.

Thus, the assertion that exercise increased maximal exercise tolerance correctly highlights the value of exercise training as a therapeutic intervention in managing stable coronary artery disease, emphasizing its role in improving physical capability and overall health outcomes.