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Lifelong Exercise Patterns and Cardiovascular Health
Martijn F H Maessen1, André L M Verbeek2, Esmée A Bakker3
1Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|May 4, 2016
Summary
Regular exercise significantly lowers cardiovascular disease and risk factor prevalence. Optimal benefits are seen with 764-1091 MET-minutes per week, with no additional gains from higher doses.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Preventive Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
- Understanding the dose-response relationship between lifelong exercise and cardiovascular health is crucial for public health guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lifelong exercise dose and the prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity.
- To identify optimal exercise levels for reducing cardiovascular disease and risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A large cohort of 21,266 individuals completed an online questionnaire on lifelong exercise patterns and cardiovascular health.
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) were defined, and participants were categorized by exercise dose (MET-minutes/week).
Main Results:
- Cardiovascular disease and risk factor prevalence decreased with increasing exercise dose compared to non-exercisers.
- The most significant reductions in CVD/CVRF prevalence were observed at exercise doses of 764 to 1091 MET-minutes/week.
- Higher exercise doses beyond this range did not confer additional cardiovascular benefits.
Conclusions:
- A curvilinear relationship exists between lifelong exercise dose and cardiovascular morbidity.
- Moderate lifelong exercise (764-1091 MET-minutes/week) is associated with the lowest prevalence of cardiovascular disease and risk factors.
- Excessive exercise beyond this optimal range does not provide further cardiovascular protection.
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