Cardiovascular benefits of physical activity

Animal studies have consistently shown increased heart strength, size, and vascularity in wild animals compared to domestic animals. While exercise has not been shown to decrease atherosclerosis in either animals or humans, it has been theorized that exercise makes the heart more resistant to ischemia through stimulation of collateral vessel formation and enlargement of already existent coronary arteries. In humans, the benefits and dangers of exercise have been researched with morphological, hemodynamic, and epidemiological studies. Many of these are discussed here as well as the national fitness recommendations made by various health organizations. A summary of the cardiovascular benefits of exercise as supported by the literature is then presented.