The protective effect of physical activity on arteries is not limited to coronary vessels, but extends to the whole arterial system, including arteries, in which endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerotic changes are one of the key factors affecting erectile dysfunction development. The objective of this study was to report whether the endurance training intensity and training-induced chronotropic response are linked with a change in erectile dysfunction intensity in men with ischemic heart disease. A total of 150 men treated for ischemic heart disease, who suffered from erectile dysfunction, were analyzed. The study group consisted of 115 patients who were subjected to a cardiac rehabilitation program. The control group consisted of 35 patients who were not subjected to any cardiac rehabilitation. An IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function) questionnaire was used for determining erectile dysfunction before and after cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac training intensity was objectified by parameters describing work of endurance training. The mean initial intensity of erectile dysfunction in the study group was 12.46 ± 6.01 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.35-13.57). Final erectile dysfunction intensity (EDI) assessed after the cardiac rehabilitation program in the study group was 14.35 ± 6.88 (95% CI = 13.08-15.62), and it was statistically significantly greater from initial EDI. Mean final training work was statistically significantly greater than mean initial training work. From among the parameters describing training work, none were related significantly to reduction of EDI. In conclusion, cardiac rehabilitation program-induced improvement in erection severity is not correlated with endurance training intensity. Chronotropic response during exercise may be used for initial assessment of change in cardiac rehabilitation program-induced erection severity.

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Introduction: Women with IHD demonstrate lower quality of life and higher tendency to IHD related depression. Current CR programs are not as well suited to women's as men's needs. Men expect practical while women social and emotional assistance. Objectives: Use of Tai Chi exercises in outpatient CR of women with IHD increases its effectiveness leading to essential improvement of mental state. Aims: Valuation of effectiveness of different CR programs in quality of life (QoL) and depression level (DL) in women with IHD. Methods: Randomized, clinical trial included 68 women between 50 to 71 (average 62,07±6,00) with IHD confirmed by angiography and/or at least 1-2 months after myocardial infarction in stable disease, 24 MMSE points, EF>45%, no pharmacologically treated mental disorders. Patients participated in 12 weeks' CR program, in three groups: C-classical CR, P-classical CR and cognitive behavior psychotherapy, T-Tai Chi training. Stages: I-1-4 week-trainings 3 times/week, II-5-12 week-therapy in previous form, 2 times/week and 1 time/week cycloergometer. Evaluation of QoL and DL before the intervention, after 4 th and 12 th week, using Beck Depression Inventory and SF36 test examining physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary of QoL. Results: In all valuations no statistical differences between the groups in DL and QoL. Only in T group confirmed improvement in both tests. MCS improved after 1 st and PCS after 2 nd CR stage. Conclusions: Supplementation of cardiac rehabilitation programs with Tai Chi elements has positive impact on QoL and depression level in women with IHD.

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