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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
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Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
Published on: October 17, 2018
Exercise as medicine: Improving cardiovascular health through physical activity
Shriyam Bhardwaz1, Heribert Schunkert2, Hendrik B Sager2
1Department of Cardiology, TUM University Hospital, German Heart Centre, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.
Atherosclerosis
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Regular exercise is a powerful non-drug strategy to prevent and manage cardiovascular diseases. Physical activity improves heart health by enhancing lipid metabolism, reducing inflammation, and regulating blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Preventive Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the primary cause of global mortality.
- Regular exercise is a key non-pharmacological intervention for CVD prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the multifaceted benefits of regular exercise on cardiovascular health.
- To highlight the molecular and systemic adaptations induced by physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on exercise and cardiovascular health.
- Analysis of exercise's impact on lipid metabolism, inflammation, autonomic function, and oxidative stress.
- Examination of molecular mechanisms including epigenetics and myokine release.
Main Results:
- Exercise improves lipid profiles (lower LDL, triglycerides; higher HDL) and slows atherosclerosis.
- Physical activity reduces inflammation, enhances autonomic balance, and improves blood pressure regulation.
- Exercise boosts mitochondrial function, antioxidant capacity, and positively influences the gut microbiome.
Conclusions:
- Regular exercise offers significant cardiovascular benefits, including improved recovery from myocardial infarction and reduced stroke risk.
- Exercise promotes vascular and metabolic health through diverse molecular pathways.
- Physical activity is an accessible and potent tool for reducing cardiovascular disease risk and promoting long-term health.
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