"The Protective Power of Physical Activity: Lowering Cardiovascular Event Risks"

This study, published in the journal Circulation, investigated how physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. They followed over 27,000 women for an average of 11 years and found that higher levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of CVD. Interestingly, even though the exact reasons aren't fully clear, the study suggests that improvements in several known risk factors can explain a large portion of this benefit.

Key findings:

• Physical activity benefit: The risk of CVD decreased steadily as physical activity levels increased. Compared to inactive women, those who burned 1500 or more calories per week through exercise had a 41% lower risk of CVD.

• Risk factor explanation: Surprisingly, a large part (59%) of the reduced CVD risk due to physical activity could be explained by changes in known risk factors.

• Biggest contributors: Inflammatory markers and blood pressure were the biggest factors influenced by physical activity, explaining 32.6% and 27.1% of the reduced CVD risk, respectively.

• Other factors: traditional lipid levels (like LDL or "bad" cholesterol) and HDL ("good" cholesterol) also played a role (15.5% and 19.1%, respectively), followed by weight (10.1%) and blood sugar control (8.9%).

The study highlights the significant impact of physical activity on CVD prevention. It also emphasizes the role of various health markers in mediating this benefit. While the precise mechanisms need further exploration, focusing on improving these factors through exercise can be a powerful strategy for reducing CVD risk in women.

In the realm of cardiovascular health, the interplay between physical activity and disease prevention has long been established. Our study delves into the intricate mechanisms underpinning the relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Unlike conventional wisdom that attributes the benefits solely to traditional risk factors, this investigation uncovers a more nuanced narrative. This prospective study involved 27,055 apparently healthy women, spanning a follow-up period of 10.9±1.6 years. We meticulously measured an array of biomarkers, from haemoglobin A1c to novel lipids, alongside participants' self-reported physical activity, weight, height, and key health indicators.

Inverse Association with CVD Risk

The findings showcased a linear reduction in CVD risk with escalating physical activity levels. Strikingly, even the reference group of <200 kcal/wk witnessed significant risk reduction. Adjusted relative risk reductions associated with 200 to 599, 600 to 1499, and ≥1500 kcal/wk were 27%, 32%, and 41%, respectively.

Mediating Factors

While physical activity undeniably lowered CVD risk, this study unmasked that 59.0% of this inverse association could be attributed to known risk factors. Inflammatory/hemostatic biomarkers took the lead, contributing 32.6%, closely trailed by blood pressure at 27.1%. Novel lipids, though playing a role, contributed less compared to traditional lipids (15.5% vs. 19.1%).

Unravelling Exercise Modalities: HIIT vs. MICT

This exploration extended beyond traditional physical activity to compare the short- and long-term effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in individuals with overweight or obesity.

Short-Term Efficacy

HIIT emerged as the frontrunner in short-term effectiveness, outperforming MICT in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and reducing waist circumference. Despite a lack of impact on cardiometabolic risk factors immediately after the 8-week intervention, the efficiency of HIIT in enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness was undeniable.

Long-Term Adherence and Maintenance

Four months post-intervention, HIIT participants exhibited superior maintenance of cardiorespiratory fitness, decreased total and abdominal fat masses, and a favorable cholesterol profile. However, the challenge of sustained exercise adherence was evident, with only 59% continuing regular exercise.

Implications for Cardiovascular Health

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cardiometabolic Risk

The benefits of both HIIT and MICT on cardiorespiratory fitness were evident, with HIIT showcasing greater efficiency. This improvement, clinically significant for survival and mortality risk, suggests a potential avenue for reducing CVD risk.

Body Composition and Visceral Fat

While changes in body composition were modest, particularly in waist circumference, the observed decreases hinted at a potential decrease in cardiometabolic risk. The impact on fat mass, although subtle, underscored the potential of exercise in mitigating risk factors.

HIIT's Struggle for Commitment

Despite the initial superiority of HIIT in cardiorespiratory fitness, this study revealed a decrease in leg muscular mass four months after the supervised program. This hints at a lack of commitment to sufficiently intense exercise, potentially contributing to the waning effectiveness of HIIT over time.

Unraveling the Paradox: MICT's Long-Term Gains

Contrary to expectations, MICT participants exhibited improved insulin resistance in the long term. This paradoxical outcome, despite an increase in sedentary time, emphasizes the importance of sustained adherence. MICT's ability to foster commitment, with 68% adherence at T6, showcases a potential avenue for long-term cardiometabolic health.

Beyond Exercise: The Role of Nutrition

While exercise plays a pivotal role, the study did not control participants' food intake. The lack of observable changes in fat mass or visceral fat mass across all groups prompts consideration of dietary influences. Recognizing the symbiotic relationship between physical activity and nutrition is crucial for a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health.

Caloric Restriction vs. Exercise

Acknowledging that caloric restriction is more efficient for weight loss, our study reinforces exercise's unique efficacy in reducing visceral fat stores. The challenge now lies in crafting strategies that intertwine both dietary guidelines and exercise routines for optimal cardiovascular outcomes.

Strategies for Improved Adherence

While 59% of participants continued physical activity post-program discharge, these findings indicate that HIIT did not exhibit a significant advantage over MICT in terms of long-term adherence. This challenges the assumption that the intensity of HIIT inherently promotes sustained commitment. Alternative strategies, beyond exercise, must be explored to enhance adherence among individuals with obesity.

Adaptive HIIT Protocols

Acknowledging the challenges in maintaining HIIT intensity, especially for those with overweight or obesity, the study advocates for adaptive protocols. Implementing variable intensities based on individual fitness levels ensures a gradual progression, making HIIT more attainable and enjoyable.

Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions

These findings suggest a potential role for cognitive-behavioral interventions in enhancing adherence. By addressing negative effects and altering intrinsic motivation, these interventions can break the cycle of poor adherence. Integrating mental well-being into cardiovascular health strategies may prove instrumental in achieving sustainable outcomes.

Educational Campaigns

Raising awareness about the interconnectedness of physical activity, nutrition, and cardiovascular health is pivotal. Educational campaigns that dispel myths, provide evidence-based information and emphasize the long-term benefits can shape public perceptions and behaviors.

To Summarize

Physical Activity and CVD Risk Reduction: The study involving 27,055 women revealed a linear decrease in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk with increasing physical activity levels, even with modest activity. Adjusted relative risk reductions were 27%, 32%, and 41% for activity levels of 200–599, 600–1499, and ≥1500 kcal/week, respectively.

Mediating Factors: While physical activity significantly lowered CVD risk, 59.0% of this reduction could be attributed to known risk factors. Inflammatory/hemostatic biomarkers (32.6%) and blood pressure (27.1%) played leading roles, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of cardiovascular health.

HIIT vs. MICT Comparison: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) demonstrated short-term superiority in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and reducing waist circumference. However, long-term adherence challenges were observed, with only 59% continuing regular exercise. Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) showed unexpected long-term gains in insulin resistance, emphasizing the importance of sustained commitment.

Nutritional Influence: While exercise impacts cardiovascular health, the study did not control for participants' food intake. The lack of significant changes in fat mass across groups highlights the need to consider the interplay between physical activity and nutrition for a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health.

Strategies for Improved Adherence: Despite initial advantages, HIIT did not exhibit a significant long-term adherence advantage over MICT. Strategies beyond exercise modality, such as adaptive HIIT protocols, cognitive-behaviour interventions, and educational campaigns, must be explored to enhance adherence among individuals with obesity and promote sustained cardiovascular health outcomes.

Conclusion: Navigating the Future

In the dynamic landscape of cardiovascular health, this study acts as a compass, guiding us towards a future marked by tailored interventions, behavioral support, and nutritional synergy. The journey involves not only unraveling the mysteries of exercise modalities but also crafting strategies that resonate with individual needs and societal dynamics.

Reference Article

Samia Mora and Nancy Cook and Julie E. Buring and Paul M Ridker and I-Min Lee

Physical Activity and Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Events,Circulation
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.729939

Related

https://healthnewstrend.com/heavy-vs-light-weights-lifting-the-truth-about-muscle-growth

https://healthnewstrend.com/fat-mass-rfm-a-stronger-predictor-of-mortality-than-bmi-dutch-cohort-study

https://healthnewstrend.com/optimizing-fat-loss-impact-of-hiit-and-mict-on-fat-oxidation-in-obese-adults

https://healthnewstrend.com/cardiometabolic-factors-connecting-physical-activity-and-quality-of-life

https://healthnewstrend.com/subclinical-atherosclerosis-pesa-cohort-study-redefines-prevention

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.