An Approach to Preventive Cardiology in Asymptomatic, Sedentary Adults

One of the early, well-established coronary prevention programs, the Adult Fitness Program at the University of California, Davis, provides an 8-year record of experience in exercise stress testing and exercise prescription with asymptomatic, sedentary adults. In our experience, an individually prescribed exercise training plan coupled with preventive health education typically leads not only to improved cardiovascular fitness, but also to a favorable modification of coronary risk factors. This paper describes our approach to cardiorespiratory health and fitness evaluation in the apparently normal population.