Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death in the world. When combined, ischemic heart disease and all forms of CVDs were the attributed causes of death for an estimated 17.6 million people globally in 2016, or 1 in 4 deaths worldwide. Multiple risk factors are attributed to causing CVDs. Some of the most significant CVD risk factors are age, sex, family history, tobacco smoking, obesity, blood pressure, and diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle, characterized by low rates of physical activity, is also currently recognized as a leading contributor to poor cardiovascular health.A more active lifestyle, therefore, reduces the risk of CVDs, with potential implications in a number of noncardiovascular chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and breast and colon cancer. Herein we describe the role of a comprehensive exercise program that includes aerobic exercise and weight training as an effective and important strategy for the prevention and management of CVDs.