More Proof: Exercise Improves Heart Health and Life-Expectancy

Studies clearly showed that moderately active people were 30 – 40% less likely to die from heart disease as compared to the inactive.

The European terms sport and exercise refer to physical activity. The new findings confirm that daily physical activity will directly reduce the rate of coronary heart disease, cardiac death, and in fact, all causes of mortality. As reported by the European Congress, physical activity is beneficial not only for the healthy, but also among people with stable coronary artery disease. The researchers discovered regular exercise training imparted a significant improvement in life-expectancy and cardiac symptoms even for those with 1-2 vessel coronary disease.

"This adds to a large body of data that tells us what we already know – that exercise and an active lifestyle are good for you. The best part of this news is that simple lifestyle adjustments, even in patients with relatively advanced heart and vascular disease, pay big dividends in terms of altering the disease process and the patient’s outcome," said Michael Watkins MD, Chief Clinical Officer and Co-chairman of myDNA.com’s Medical Advisory Board and Austin cardiologist.

He adds, "Although genetics and family history may be significant risk factors for heart disease, modification of these in a positive way through exercise, control of weight and healthy dietary choices not only make us able to live better, but live longer as well. All of us with heart and vascular disease need to pay attention to this important information."

Researchers believe general exercise maintains and/or improves the capability of the coronary arteries to deliver oxygen to the working heart muscle. The beginning aspect of atherosclerosis is characterized by the inability of the arteries to dilate during the period of extra demand limiting blood supply during exertion. Researchers discovered the key mediator of arterial dilation is a compound called nitric oxide (NO), a substance made in the lining of blood vessels in response to enzyme activity.

Exercise has been found to stimulate the enzyme which produces nitric oxide thereby creating more NO and limiting endothelial or blood vessel dysfunction. Vessel dysfunction is rare among active people and if it does occur, presents much later in life as compared to inactive individuals. However, among those with coronary artery disease, blood vessel dysfunction is typically severe. Studies have found that an exercise training program can distinctly improve blood flow to the heart muscle – even to an extent comparable to that of statins or lipid-lowering medications. Consequently regular exercise training can slow the development of atherosclerosis and plaque formation.

The researcher reports the salient finding is that while sports and exercise (or physical activity) can prevent medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity, a greater benefit is found in the direct improvement of vascular functions and reduction of atherosclerosis. Importantly, this means that you can actively improve you heart health by participating in regular exercise.
Congress of the European Society of Cardiology, August 2005

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