Can intense exercise heal your heart after a heart attack?

NCT ID NCT04863677

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested two types of exercise training—high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate continuous training (MICT)—against standard physical activity advice in 188 people who had a heart attack. The goal was to see which approach best improves fitness and reduces heart scarring. Participants exercised for 12 weeks, and researchers measured changes in oxygen uptake and heart tissue using scans.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

exercise training programs (HIIT and MICT)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that specific exercise programs improve heart function and reduce scarring after a heart attack.

What could go wrong

This is a completed trial with 188 participants, but results may not apply to all heart attack patients. Exercise carries a small risk of injury or heart strain.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute myocardial infarction allergic disease cor pulmonale myocardial infarction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital

    Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, China