The aim of the present study was to verify the effectiveness of physiological ischemic training (PIT) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and compare differences in clinical outcomes between isometric exercise training (IET) and cuff inflation training (CIT). Fifty-five CHD patients were randomized into three groups: IET group (n = 19), CIT group (n = 18), and no-exercise group (n = 18). PIT was practiced in the IET and CIT groups. Changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded. The cardiac structure and function were evaluated and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) measured. SBP and DBP decreased significantly in both PIT groups after 3-month training (p < 0.01). Cardiac function and structure were significantly improved in both PIT groups after 3-month training (p < 0.01). Cardiac structure and function in the IET group were both superior to those in the CIT group by the end of training (p < 0.01). The VEGF level in both PIT groups increased significantly after 3-month training (p < 0.01). PIT was safe and feasible when performed in CHD patients. An appropriate period of PIT helped improve blood pressure and the cardiac structure and function, with the outcome more positive in the IET group.

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