[Exercise therapy for prevention of atherosclerosis]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• Inflammation Biology

Context:

• Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
• Atherosclerosis, a primary driver of cardiovascular events, is increasingly understood as an inflammatory process.
• Elevated C-reactive protein levels are a known biomarker associated with atherosclerosis.

Purpose:

• To elucidate the anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of moderate-intensity physical activity.
• To examine the role of physical activity in modulating vascular inflammation.
• To provide a comprehensive review of exercise's protective effects against atherosclerosis.

Summary:

• Moderate-intensity physical activity confers significant benefits, reducing both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.
• The review highlights the inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis, linking it to elevated C-reactive protein.
• Physical activity's protective effects are analyzed through the lens of its impact on vascular inflammation.

Impact:

• Provides a deeper understanding of how exercise prevents cardiovascular disease.
• Identifies vascular inflammation as a critical target for physical activity interventions.
• Offers insights for public health strategies promoting physical activity for cardiovascular health.