Exercise and Physical Activity in the Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

R egular physical activity using large muscle groups, such as walking, running, or swimming, produces cardiovascular adaptations that increase exercise capacity, endurance, and skeletal muscle strength. Habitual physical activity also prevents the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) and reduces symptoms in patients with established cardiovascular disease. There is also evidence that exercise reduces the risk of other chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, 1 osteoporosis, 2 obesity, 3 depression, 4 and cancer of the breast 5 and colon. This American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Statement for health professionals summarizes the evidence for the benefits of physical activity in the prevention…