[Physical activity in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Epidemiology and mechanisms]

Life expectancy can be increased by life style changes such as improvement of nutrition habits and by physical activities. The relevance of physical activity for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary artery disease, is supported by several epidemiological studies. These data show a clear reduction by 35% in total as well as in cardiovascular-related mortality risk, due to primary prevention by physical activity. Within the secondary prevention, additional physical exercise leads to a marked decrease by 27% in the total, and by 31% in the cardiovascular-related mortality. This is due to improvement of the cardiovascular risk profile, including arterial blood pressure, lipid profile, type 2 diabetes, obesity as secondary effects. However, of particular importance are primary effects, such as restoration of the endothelial function, decrease of platelets reactivity, regression or a reduced progression of coronary sclerosis, and possible collateral formation as well as improvement of vascular repair by circulated endothelial progenitor cells. These beneficial effects can all be induced by the therapy called "physical activity or endurance sports". Provided this "medicament" is used correctly and individually adapted, it will be a low cost therapy and nearly without any adverse side effects for everyone. In order to maximise the outcome of individual health programs, an individually adjusted dosage of the type, intensity, duration, and frequency of physical activity is required.