[Physical activity and prevention of cardiovascular diseases].
Physical inactivity is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Regular physical activity, conversely, is effective in reducing all-cause mortality, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Older and recent meta-analyses confirm the reduction of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality by regular physical activity. So far, there is a dose-effect relationship especially from low to moderate training intensity; the steepness of this curve is more curvilinear with a decrease at higher categories of activity intensity. Regular physical activity even at low level of intensity should be a part of daily life and of lifestyle. The risks and side effects of physical activity can be neglected, preparticipation examination before training is strongly recommended. Counseling healthy persons and patients at any age for physical activity, and training prescription should be an essential part of physicians' work in general practice.
Löllgen
Herbert
H
Medizinische Klinik, Remscheid. h.loellgen@sana-klinikum-remscheid.de
Völker
Klaus
K
Böckenhoff
Annette
A
Löllgen
Deborah
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003376:Counseling; D015444:Exercise; D005080:Exercise Test; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010807:Physical Endurance; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012420:Running; D013177:Sports; D013997:Time Factors; D016138:Walking