High-intensity interval training induces beneficial effects on coronary atheromatous plaques: a randomized trial

Coronary atheroma volume is associated with risk of coronary events in coronary artery disease (CAD). Exercise training is a cornerstone in primary and secondary prevention of CAD, but the effect of exercise on coronary atheromatous plaques is largely unknown. We assessed the effect of 6 months supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on coronary plaque geometry using intravascular ultrasound in patients with stable CAD following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Sixty patients were randomized to two sessions of weekly supervised HIIT at 85–95% of peak heart rate (n = 30) or to follow contemporary preventive guidelines (control group, n = 30). The study endpoints were change in percent atheroma volume (PAV) and total atheroma volume (TAV) normalized for segment length (TAV_norm) at 6-month follow-up. The change in average PAV for matched coronary segments from baseline to follow-up showed a significant between-group difference (−1.4, 95% CI: −2.7 to −0.1, P = 0.036). There was a significant reduction in the HIIT group (−1.2, 95% CI: −2.1 to −0.2, P = 0.017) while not in the control group (0.2, 95% CI: −0.7 to 1.1, P = 0.616). TAV_norm was reduced (−9 mm³, 95% CI: −14.7 to −3.4, P = 0.002) after HIIT, with a significant between-group difference (−12.0 mm³, 95% CI: −19.9 to −4.2, P = 0.003).

In patients with established CAD, a regression of atheroma volume was observed in those undergoing 6 months of supervised HIIT compared with patients following contemporary preventive guidelines. Our study indicates that HIIT counteracts atherosclerotic coronary disease progression and reduces atheroma volume in residual coronary atheromatous plaques following PCI.