Beta-blockers, exercise, and the immune system in men with coronary artery disease

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of aerobic exercise training on the immune system in coronary artery disease patient,, treated with beta-blockers. Methods: Twenty-five patients (46.1 +/- 2 yr) treated with atenolol, a beta-blocker agent, for 3 months before exercising were divided randomly into two groups: 15 underwent an aerobic exercise training program for 12 wk at 65-70% of their work capacity, whereas the other 10 patients served as controls. Results: After training, levels of CD4 and CD8 cells were significantly (P < 0.05) higher and concomitantly the CD4/CD8 ratio decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the exercising group compared with the control group. Conclusions: Data suggest that coronary artery disease patients exercising aerobically at 65-70% of their work capacity gain a statistically significant higher lymphocyte T cell function as compared with their untrained counter-parts.