50 Drug-eluting balloons and drug-eluting stents in the treatment of small coronary arteries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term clinical outcomes

Abstract

lower among the CRY Clinic patient cohort (33% vs. 27%). Additionally, reported resistance exercise levels was lower (30%) than aerobic exercise (72%). This is despite resistance exercise being additionally beneficial for many cardiac conditions. During the period of data collection, access to gyms and group exercise was limited due to pandemic government restrictions that likely effected resistance exercise more than aerobic exercise. In fact, a significant increase in recreational walking during covid restrictions was previously reported. Exercise is often discussed during medical consultation but rarely prescribed. In our cohort only 0.5% of patients received an Ex Rx. The reported barriers to Ex Rx are lack of time, perceived lack of patient engagement, complex comorbidities and clinician education. Attempts were made in the form of education and resource provision to clinicians to challenge perceived barriers. Ex Rx are important in the CRY Clinic not only for the known benefits of PA but as inappropriate exercise can be harmful for some cardiac conditions. The Ex Rx enabled the benefit of PA to be gained by the safe promotion of appropriate exercise to such patients (figure 2). The introduction of this PA assessment and Ex Rx was a successful call to action to incorporate exercise as medicine to the CRY Clinic. 'Walking is a (wo)mans best medicine' (Hippocrates 460BC).