Exercise as it relates to Disease/Physical Activity; An effective intervention for cardiovascular disease

What is cardiovascular disease?
The term cardiovascular disease refers to any disease/condition that has an association with the heart or the blood vessels in the human body. Cardiovascular diseases are an international health burden, being the leading cause of morbidity and premature mortality in most western cultures and has been identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the number one global health issue. Cardiovascular diseases include: Coronary Artery Disease, Stroke and Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack).

Prevalence

 * Cardiovascular disease effects 1 in 6 Australians, equating to 3.7 million people within our population.
 * In 2011, Cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death in Australia with 45,600 deaths reported.
 * In 2004 - 2005, $6 billion of all health care expenditure was focused upon cardiovascular disease in Australia.

The Implementation of Physical Activity as a Primary Prevention Strategy
The primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases is a global health concern. An increase in chronic disease prevalence and a steadily ageing Australian population, has resulted in a growing cardiovascular disease burden. However; the majority of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease are modifiable lifestyle factors and therefore have the potential to be amended by physical activity, reducing both the overall risk factors for individuals and consequently mortality rates.

Aerobic Exercise
In regards to aerobic exercise, it is recommended that individuals undertake 30–60 minutes/day of moderate exercise five to seven times a week. Multiple research studies have highlighted the importance of intensity, rather than duration of the exercise to reduce the cardiovascular risks. Long duration bouts of aerobic exercise predominately benefit weight/adiposity reduction, while intensity has been postulated to have more positive effects on specific cardiac function. Vigorous Activity may also be implemented three to four times a week, for a duration of 30 minutes for the individual to achieve further protection and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors.

Resistance Exercise
In conjunction with aerobic exercise, it is recommended that resistance exercise should be completed 2-3 times/week. The resistance exercise undertaken should involve the bodies large muscle groups of both the upper and lower extremities, as well as the core and the intensity should be 30-60% of the individuals 1RM for 12 repetitions.

Benefits of Physical Activity on Cardiovascular Health
Exercise, especially aerobic, induces many favourable effects on cardiovascular risk factors, therefore reducing the prevalence of the disease occurring. Note: ↑: Increased & ↓: Decreased The culmination of the above benefits, reduce the chance of cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and high levels of adiposity will occur in the individual.