For participants with heart disease, what is the recommended starting intensity for exercise?

For participants with heart disease, starting at a moderate level of exercise intensity is crucial for safety and effectiveness. This approach allows individuals to gradually increase their physical activity while monitoring their responses to exercise. Moderate intensity is typically characterized by the ability to talk during the activity and is generally 50-70% of an individual's maximum heart rate.

Beginning with moderate intensity helps reduce the risk of complications, such as cardiac events, which can occur if individuals engage in high-intensity activities too soon. It also allows health professionals to assess how participants with heart conditions respond to exercise before progressively increasing the intensity as tolerated. This level of caution is particularly important for those with heart disease, ensuring they can build endurance and strength safely.