The role and importance of physical exercise in the prevention of cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading health problem of the modern world. They are the leading cause of death in both developed and transition countries. Physical activity (PA) has a beneficial impact on the cardiovascular system, both directly by improving endothelial function and indirectly by normalising atherosclerosis risk factors such as dyslipidaemia, hypertension, obesity and through positive effects on the clotting mechanism. The impact of physical activities on the cardiovascular system is manifested by immediate changes in hemodynamics, blood pressure and heart rate during physical training. After sustained physical training basal heart rate, blood pressure and heart rate response to physical activity stress decrease, indicating good conditioning through increased physical capacity. Prospective epidemiological studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle has a two-fold increased risk of sudden death and cardiovascular mortality. Physical activity needs to be ongoing to have positive effects on the cardiovascular system; that means 4 to 5 times a week depending on the duration and intensity of exercise. Physical activity in patients with coronary heart disease should be individualised, quantified and monitored. In subjects with impaired heart muscle function, physical activity is limited with characteristic symptoms - dyspnoea and stenocardia. These patients are classified into mild, moderate and high risk groups and based on this the allowable intensity of their physical activity is assessed, as well as the degree of its control. Exercise should be range free and should not exceed this symptom limit. The aim of physical activity and training is to increase the symptom tolerance threshold.