Table 3 Participant baseline characteristics n = 18; (values are mean ± SD or number (%) or months since event)

Male sex, n (%)

15 (83)

Female sex, n (%)

3 (17)

Age, years

56 ± 15.5

Body mass index, kg/m²

26.5 ± 4.4

Cardiac history n,

(months since event)

 Percutaneous intervention

6 (1,3 × 18,24,2 × 36)

 Myocardial infarction

1 (6)

 Myocardial infarction with stent insertion

3 (4,5,8)

 Coronary artery bypass graft surgery

1 (24)

 Myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass graft surgery

1 (4)

 Coronary artery bypass graft surgery with stent insertion

1 (5)

 Valve surgery

3 (9,24,36)

 Valve surgery with pacemaker

1 (10)

 Myocardial infarction with stent and ICD insertion

1 (6)

 Mean average time (months) from cardiac event

15.2 (12.1)

Medication affecting heart rate

 Beta blockers, n (%)

3 (17)

 Calcium channel blockers, n (%)

2 (11)

 Attended CR phase 2, n (%)

10 (56)

 Perceived adequate exercise guidelines given post event, n (%)

6 (33)