Authors
Fletcher GF.
Institution
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, USA.
Title
The antiatherosclerotic
effect of exercise and development of an exercise
prescription. [Review] [42 refs]
Source
Cardiology Clinics. 14(1):85-95, 1996 Feb.
Abstract
Atherosclerosis and its sequelae of MI, bypass surgery, and
angioplasty can be affected positively in both the primary
and secondary setting by the use of properly prescribed
physical activity. Such activity in a higher weekly kilocalorie expenditure
(usually involving greater intensity) seems to be effective
in achieving regression of atherosclerosis and in improving
LVEF. In general, any activity is better than none, but more energy
expenditure seems associated with greater benefits. Regardless of
these apparent beneficial effects of
exercise, such benefits are much less apparent if modification of
other coronary risk factors is not also achieved.
These efforts must focus on cessation of smoking, control of
abnormal blood lipids, and normalization of high blood pressure. With
these less costly methods of controlling
atherosclerosis, the future impact of this
type of intervention will likely be of great importance as society adjusts to
the cost constraints of managed (especially capitated) care
in the near future. [References: 42]