Exercise as it relates to Disease/Exercise Guidelines to Prevent Atherosclerosis

Prevalence
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading causes of death and a major source of morbidity in Australia. Ischemic heart disease (angina, blocked arteries of the heart, heart attacks) and cerebrovascular disease (haemorrhages, strokes, infarctions, blocked arteries of the brain) are the top two causes of death in Australia resulting in 32, 764 deaths in 2011.

What is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that is initiated by damage to the endothelium inside blood vessels. This is due to a number of factors such as high blood pressure, smoking and elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. This damage results in the accumulation of fats, cholesterol, cellular debris, platelets and calcium forming on the inside of the artery walls. Overtime hard structures, called plaque, form inside the artery wall making them stiffer. This gradual process slowly reduces the diameter of the artery causing less blood flow and a decreased oxygen supply around the body. Eventually pieces of plaque break off due to high blood pressure and turbulent blood flow and travel to smaller blood vessels causing a blockage. This blockage starves the tissues of blood and oxygen and is a common cause of a stroke and heart attack. Atherosclerosis also contributes to the development of a number of diseases in the circulatory system which include Ischemic heart disease,Peripheral Artery Disease,Heart failure,Hypertension

Risk Factors
=Benefits of exercise as a form of prevention and treatment= The American Heart Association Counsels of Clinical Cardiology and Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism emphasise that exercise for patients with, or at risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a valuable therapeutic strategy.

'''TABLE 1. Comparison of the Effects of Aerobic Training and Resistance Training on Health and Fitness Variables.''' ↑ indicates increased; ↓ decreased; and ↔ small effect. =Exercise Guidelines= The American College of Sports Medicine recommends men aged 45+, women aged 55+ and individuals with major risk factors for atherosclerosis and diabetes at any age should consult a health practitioner for a physical examination and a medical history before beginning a vigorous exercise program.

Recommended activity guidelines by the American College of Sports Medicine: =Further Readings= =Reference List=
 * American Heart Association Interactive Cardiovascular Library – Atherosclerosis and Cholesterol and Coronary Artery Disease
 * The Heart Foundation: Australian physical activity guidelines and policies
 * American Heart Association Heart Attack Risk Calculator
 * Reducing Risk in Heart Disease