The physical conditioning achieved by regular aerobic exercise decreases the heart rate and blood pressure at rest and at any given level of exercise. Consequently, the workload on the heart is reduced and anginal symptoms may be alleviated. Regular exercise also improves muscle function and increases the cardiac patient’s ability to take in and use oxygen. This is commonly referred to as the maximal oxygen consumption or aerobic capacity. As the body’s ability to transport and deliver oxygen improves, the patient has added energy and less fatigue. This benefit is important for patients with heart disease whose aerobic fitness is typically less than that of healthy adults of similar age. Moreover, the greatest improvements often occur among the most unfit.