Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death. Myocardial ischemia has led to the development of many diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Structured physical activity is one of the primary components in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease and forms an integral part of a cardiac rehabilitation program. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation became a part of evidence-based medicine. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe the concept of physical activity in rehabilitation of coronary heart disease patients. By using selected key words, following databases were searched: PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane. Library and Hrčak portal. Scientific articles not older than 15 years and available in Croatian or English were included. Additionally, books from the University library and online books were used as well as credible Internet sources. A review of the literature provides information about progression of the intensity and contents of exercise therapy which depends on the stage of cardiac rehabilitation. It is concluded that aerobic training is the main component of exercise for these patients considering its multiple effects in the prevention of disease progression. Special attention is devoted to advantages of high-intensity interval training which are greater than those achieved by continuous training. Resistance training is also more frequently included as a component of exercise therapy in the rehabilitation while other types of activities effectively complement the program. An essential part of the program is a comprehensive education of the patient which contributes to the safety of physical activity in coronary heart disease patients.