The Role of Exercise in the Management of Cardiovascular Disease
THE ROLE OF EXERCISE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the term used to describe the diseases affecting the heart, arteries and blood vessels. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading public health problem in the UK with costs exceeding £30 billion per year. Mortality rates from the disease continue to fall, mainly due to a combination of public awareness of the risk factors and understanding of the need to lead a healthier life. However the death rate from CHD is still very high with more than 12500 deaths in under 65 age group in 2008 (British Heart Foundation). CHD, such as angina or heart attack is caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries by fatty deposits, leading to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of CVD but there is a strong link between developing CVD and physical inactivity, high blood pressure, unhealthy diet with consumption of saturated fats, stress and smoking (World Health Organisation). A literature review by Powel et al 1987 observed the inverse association between physical inactivity and CHD and in addition the risk is similar in magnitude to that of high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and smoking. These observations suggested that CHD prevention programs should always include exercise and that this is as important as smoking cessation, blood pressure controls and cholesterol level decrease. A review of scientific evidence by Mozaffarian et al has indicated that trans-fatty- acids adversely affect cardiovascular health and reported an increased risk of heart attack or CHD of up to 32% for every 2% of trans-fatty-acids consumption replacing carbohydrate. Conclusions were reached that consumption of trans-fatty-acids from partially hydrogenated oils adversely affect cardiovascular health and significantly increase the risk of a cardiac event. Many studies have shown the link between high blood pressure and CVD e.g. a
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the term used to describe the diseases affecting the heart, arteries and blood vessels. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading public health problem in the UK with costs exceeding £30 billion per year. Mortality rates from the disease continue to fall, mainly due to a combination of public awareness of the risk factors and understanding of the need to lead a healthier life. However the death rate from CHD is still very high with more than 12500 deaths in under 65 age group in 2008 (British Heart Foundation). CHD, such as angina or heart attack is caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries by fatty deposits, leading to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of CVD but there is a strong link between developing CVD and physical inactivity, high blood pressure, unhealthy diet with consumption of saturated fats, stress and smoking (World Health Organisation). A literature review by Powel et al 1987 observed the inverse association between physical inactivity and CHD and in addition the risk is similar in magnitude to that of high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and smoking. These observations suggested that CHD prevention programs should always include exercise and that this is as important as smoking cessation, blood pressure controls and cholesterol level decrease. A review of scientific evidence by Mozaffarian et al has indicated that trans-fatty- acids adversely affect cardiovascular health and reported an increased risk of heart attack or CHD of up to 32% for every 2% of trans-fatty-acids consumption replacing carbohydrate. Conclusions were reached that consumption of trans-fatty-acids from partially hydrogenated oils adversely affect cardiovascular health and significantly increase the risk of a cardiac event. Many studies have shown the link between high blood pressure and CVD e.g. a
References: Powell KE, Thompson PD, Caspersen CJ, Kendrick JS. Physical activity and the incidence of coronary heart disease Annu Rev Public Health. 1987;8:253-87 Mozaffarian D, Katan MB, Ascherio A, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC Ades PA, Cardiac Rehabilitation and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease N Eng J Med. 2001;345:892-902 Pollock ML, Franklin BA, Balady GJ, Chaitman BL Fleq JL, Fletcher B, Limacher M, Pina Il, Stein RA, Williams M, Bazzarre T Sci Sports Exerc (1998) 30:1009-1018 Fletcher, G.F., Balady, G.J., Amsterdam, E.A (1999) Activation of haemostasis by exercise, mental stress and adrenaline: effects on platelet sensitivity to thrombin Traber D L. Comment Blood coagulation, fibrinolysis and exercise Clinical Science (1999) 97 , 117-118 .