title: Aerobic exercise. Can you answer the questions your patients ask?
abstract: Aerobic exercise is a dynamic exercise form that has as a goal increased cardiovascular fitness. In addition to its potential for improved cardiovascular health, it may also help prevent hypertension, promote improved psychologic health, and help prevent osteoporosis. Certain conditions are contraindications to the undertaking of an exercise program, and some patients should undergo exercise stress testing before beginning. Dietary changes are probably not necessary for persons beginning moderate exercise programs, but in athletes taking part in strenuous forms of exercise, fluid and electrolyte balance and adequacy of muscle glycogen stores should be considered. Exercise, however, is only one of the factors important in fitness and cardiovascular risk reduction.
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000639:trends; D010807:Physical Endurance; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012119:Respiration; D012306:Risk; D013178:Sports Medicine