Cardiovascular disease

Abstract

This chapter evaluates the evidence that physical activity and fitness reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease and stroke. Atherosclerosis as the process causing cardiovascular diseases is described as are landmark prospective studies demonstrating that men involved in active occupations were at lower risk of coronary heart disease than those in sedentary jobs. Cohort studies and meta-analyses demonstrating the protective effect of leisure-time physical activity against coronary heart disease and stroke are discussed along with the evidence that physical fitness confers some protection. Recent evidence showing that sedentary behaviour is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases is presented. The roles of combining physical activity with other healthy lifestyle behaviours to modify cardiovascular risk in low- and high-risk groups are examined. Finally, the potential role of physical activity in secondary prevention and therapy in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases is discussed.