Abstract

Physical activity and cardiovascular diseases

WHO has ranked sedentary lifestyle as the fourth most common cause of death worldwide. Sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for both the occurrence and more severe presentation of most cardiovascular diseases, which makes the promotion of physical activity a top priority in terms of public health protection schemes. Health care representatives should inform patients that in a majority of cases, a cardiovascular disease is not a contraindication for taking up physical activity. Quite the contrary, it should be considered a good reason for increasing daily activity levels. Notwithstanding, when preparing an exercise or rehabilitation plan, it is important to ensure that the type of exercise and related physical effort are chosen according to coexisting diseases and the adaptive capacity of the patient’s body so that the patient can safely engage in physical activity. It is necessary to discuss with the patient the available options for the continuation of physical activity and the acceptable intensity of exercise which is considered suitable for the patient. Of importance is also to monitor the health status of physically active cardiovascular patients on a regular basis.