Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2025
Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice
Published on: February 20, 2019
Preventive Effects of Physical Activity on the Development of Atherosclerosis: A Narrative Review
Yusuke Osawa1,2,3, Yasumichi Arai4,5
1Graduate School of Health Management, Keio University.
Insights
Regular physical activity, including aerobic and resistance training, effectively prevents atherosclerosis by improving endothelial function and reducing inflammation. Personalized exercise plans can optimize cardiovascular health and mitigate cardiometabolic risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a primary cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, driven by endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, lipid accumulation, and arterial stiffness.
- Physical activity is a key non-pharmacological intervention for preventing atherosclerosis.
- Understanding the impact of different exercise types on atherosclerosis is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the preventive effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise on atherosclerosis development.
- To explore the mechanisms through which exercise improves cardiovascular health markers.
- To discuss exercise dose-response, intensity, risks, and personalized approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of landmark studies and current research findings on exercise and atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of mechanisms: endothelial function, inflammation, lipid profiles, arterial stiffness.
- Discussion of exercise modalities, intensity, dose-response, and personalized medicine.
Main Results:
- Aerobic, resistance, and combined training demonstrate preventive effects against atherosclerosis.
- Exercise improves endothelial function, reduces systemic inflammation, and enhances lipid profiles.
- Combined training offers synergistic benefits, especially for high-risk populations.
Conclusions:
- Exercise is a potent strategy for mitigating atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic risk.
- Personalized exercise prescriptions, potentially guided by wearable technology, can maximize cardiovascular benefits.
- Further research into tailored exercise interventions is warranted for optimal CVD prevention.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis, a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), remains a leading cause of global mortality and morbidity. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis involves a complex interplay of endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, lipid accumulation, and arterial stiffness. Among the various preventive strategies, physical activity has emerged as a highly effective, non-pharmacological intervention. This review examines the preventive effects of different types of exercise-specifically aerobic exercise, resistance training, and combined training-on atherosclerosis development. Drawing on evidence from landmark studies, we explore the underlying mechanisms by which these exercise modalities improve endothelial function, reduce systemic inflammation, and enhance lipid profiles, thereby mitigating the progression of atherosclerosis. Additionally, the review discusses the dose-response relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular health, the differential effects of exercise intensities, and the potential risks associated with high-intensity training. The synergistic benefits of combined aerobic and resistance training are highlighted, particularly in populations with metabolic syndrome or other high-risk conditions. Emerging trends in personalized exercise medicine and the use of wearable technology for monitoring physical activity are also addressed, underscoring the potential for tailored exercise prescriptions to maximize cardiovascular health. By integrating current research findings, this review provides insights into effective exercise strategies for reducing cardiometabolic risk and emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches in exercise interventions.
More Related Videos
07:36Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice
Published on: September 26, 2018
05:59Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
01:27Atherosclerosis II: Clinical manifestations and prevention
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...