The Impact of Sex on Strength Training in Adults With Cardiovascular Disease
Mark Rippetoe1, Abeel A Mangi2
1Wichita Falls Athletic Club, Wichita Falls, TX, USA; The Aasgaard Company, Wichita Falls, TX, USA.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) recovery is often worse in women due to lower muscle mass. This study proposes strength training alongside cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) for better recovery in both men and women.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular health
- Muscle physiology
- Geriatric medicine
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in the United States.
- Treatment outcomes for CVD are historically poorer in females compared to males.
- Reduced skeletal muscle mass, exacerbated by menopause and catabolic events, may impair recovery in females.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the importance of skeletal muscle mass in cardiovascular disease (CVD) recovery.
- To propose a combined strategy for improving recovery from CVD.
- To address the disparity in CVD treatment outcomes between males and females.
Main Methods:
- The study outlines a theoretical strategy for strength training.
- The strategy is designed for individuals recovering from CVD.
- It emphasizes the integration of strength training with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) improvement.
Main Results:
- The proposed strategy aims to improve recovery by addressing muscle mass deficits.
- It theorizes that regaining strength is as crucial as cardiorespiratory fitness for complete recovery.
- The strategy is applicable to both males and females undergoing CVD treatment.
Conclusions:
- Complete recovery from CVD requires addressing both cardiorespiratory fitness and skeletal muscle mass.
- Strength training is a vital component for healthy aging and recovery from illness, particularly after CVD.
- A combined approach of CRF and strength training is recommended for enhanced CVD recovery in all patients.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading killer of American males and females. Outcomes of treatment for CVD have historically been worse in females than in males. The inability to recover, may be, at least in part, due to lower levels of skeletal muscle mass in females; which is made worse with the onset of menopause and especially when a catabolic event like surgery and / or illness occurs. We theorize that while regaining cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) after treatment for CVD is very important, it is only part of what is required for complete recovery. Regaining strength and muscle mass is just as important for healthy physiologic aging and recovery from illness. We outline a simply strategy for helping males and females train for strength while recovering from CVD.
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