Sticking with rehab and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key to reducing the risk of further heart problems, research shows.

Those who attend multiple sessions of fitness training and cardiac rehabilitation are less likely to die or suffer a heart attack in the next three to four years than people who go to fewer sessions, the study led by Duke University shows.

Exercise is a crucial part of rehabilitation after heart problems, but does not mean patients have to be grimacing and jogging around the track, points out Dr Stanley Hazen, preventive cardiology and rehabilitation chief at the Cleveland Clinic.

"It can be just a brisk walk or swimming or a stationary bike. That's the key: find something you enjoy and are willing to do," he commented.

Concept2's Stick With It Challenge is a great way to keep motivation up and record your progress, whether recovering from illness or injury or working on making exercise part of your daily routine.