Physical Activity Over the Lifecourse and Cardiovascular Disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Preventive Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a primary global cause of mortality despite advances in care.
• CVD is largely preventable through risk factor management and early detection.
• Physical activity is a cornerstone of CVD prevention, as recognized by initiatives like the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between physical activity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) using a lifecourse framework.
• To review evidence on how physical activity influences CVD incidence, morbidity, and mortality across all life stages.
• To highlight the importance of physical activity in preventing CVD from prenatal development through older adulthood.

Main Methods:

• Lifecourse epidemiology framework.
• Systematic review and synthesis of existing evidence.
• Analysis of studies examining physical activity and CVD across the entire lifespan.

Main Results:

• Physical activity demonstrates significant benefits for cardiovascular health across all life stages.
• Consistent physical activity is associated with reduced incidence of CVD.
• Physical activity can mitigate CVD-related morbidity and mortality from early life to old age.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity is a critical, modifiable factor for lifelong cardiovascular health.
• Interventions promoting physical activity across the lifespan are essential for CVD prevention.
• A lifecourse approach underscores the cumulative impact of physical activity on cardiovascular well-being.