Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
07:21
Walk with Me Hybrid Virtual/In-Person Walking for Older Adults with Neurodegenerative Disease
Published on: June 16, 2023
Walking: the first steps in cardiovascular disease prevention
Elaine M Murtagh1, Marie H Murphy, Janne Boone-Heinonen
1Department of Arts Education and Physical Education, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, Ireland. elaine.murtagh@mic.ul.ie
Current Opinion in Cardiology
|July 14, 2010
Summary
Regular walking offers significant cardiovascular health benefits for all ages and can be prescribed by clinicians. Promoting walking through various programs and environmental supports is key to increasing physical activity levels in sedentary populations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular health
- Physical activity promotion
- Preventive medicine
Background:
- Sedentary lifestyles pose a challenge for public health.
- Prescribing sustainable physical activity is crucial for health professionals.
- Walking is an accessible and low-risk activity suitable for diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the health benefits of walking.
- To examine strategies for promoting walking behavior.
- To assess walking's role in cardiovascular disease prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of large observational studies on walking and cardiovascular endpoints.
- Analysis of intervention studies demonstrating health improvements.
- Evaluation of evidence on walking promotion programs and environmental factors.
Main Results:
- Consistent associations between walking and reduced cardiovascular disease endpoints.
- Improvements in clinical biomarkers and health measures from walking interventions.
- Effective walking promotion strategies include pedometer, mobile, and computer-based programs.
- Neighborhood and workplace initiatives support increased walking.
Conclusions:
- Walking is a valuable tool for primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention.
- Clinicians can prescribe walking to meet physical activity guidelines.
- Identifying patient support systems is essential for successful walking interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
A thorough health history and physical assessment are essential for identifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms and distinguishing them from other health issues.
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...