BARCELONA, Spain -- Working up a sweat may be even better than angioplasty for some heart patients, experts say.
Some studies have shown heart patients benefit more from exercise than surgery. At a meeting of the European Society of Cardiology yesterday, several experts said doctors should focus on persuading patients to exercise rather than on performing angioplasties.
Angioplasty is the top treatment for people having heart attacks or hospitalized with worsening symptoms. It involves using a tiny balloon to flatten a blockage and prop the heart artery open.
Experts say less than 20 percent of heart patients get the recommended amount of exercise -- about 30 minutes of moderate activity five times a week.
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