Exercise and Cardiovascular Disease

BY JOSHUA PAUNIL

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refers to any disease that affects the heart or blood vessels. There are four common CVDs: Arteriosclerosis, Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke, and Hypertension. (Powers, 1996)

Cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Arteriosclerosis is a group of diseases characterized

by a narrowing or hardening of the arteries. The end result of any form of arteriosclerosis is that blood Glow to vital organs may be impaired due to a progressive blockage of the artery. (Powers, 1996)

Coronary Heart Disease also

known as coronary artery disease, it results from a blockage of one or more blood vessels supplying the heart. This is due to the collection of fatty deposit inside the blood vessel. (Powers, 1996)

Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the

brain is reduced for a prolonged period of time. A common cause of stroke is blockage of arteries leading to the brain. A stroke results in death of brain cells. Severe strokes could lead to major paralysis or even death.
(Powers, 1996)

characterized by an abnormally high blood pressure

(Powers, 1996)

Hypertension is a major health problem

NOTES:
Powers, S. K., & Dodd, S. L. (1996). The essentials of total tness: exercise, nutrition, and wellness. Allyn and Bacon.

Exercise and Cardiovascular Disease

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EXERCISE!
it lowers the risk of CVDs !

Regular exercise enhances coronary circulation by enlarging the main branches of the hearts blood vessels, and by improving distribution of capillaries in the heart muscle. (Powers, 1996) Regular exercise results in decreased blood fat levels. This therefore reduces the availability of cholesterol and triglycerides for deposit in arterial walls.

People who exercise regularly have lowered risk of both heart attack and cancer. This translates into a longer life span for those who exercise!

ABOUT THE EDITOR

Joshua Jerahmeel Fernando C. Paunil is a 5th year B Sports Science student of the University of the Philippines Diliman. He hopes to see more and more people get an active lifestyle.