Stay Active, Lower Cad And Stroke Risk

how physical activity can decrease cad and stroke

Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle and has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and stroke. Stroke, a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, resulting in brain damage. Engaging in regular physical activity can significantly decrease the likelihood of experiencing a stroke by targeting several risk factors associated with this condition.

Physical activity has a beneficial effect on reducing the risk of hypertension, which is a significant modifiable risk factor for both ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes. It helps to lower blood pressure and decrease the chances of developing hypertension, thereby positively impacting stroke risk. Additionally, physical activity can lead to improved endothelial function, reduced left ventricular hypertrophy, and favourable changes in cholesterol levels, all of which contribute to a lower risk of stroke.

The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke. This can include activities such as brisk walking, swimming, and cycling. Even small amounts of physical activity can offer some protection, and staying generally active throughout the day is also beneficial.

For individuals who have already experienced a stroke, regular exercise can reduce the risk of recurrent stroke, improve recovery, and enhance overall well-being. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate type and intensity of exercise, especially for those with existing health conditions or mobility issues.

Characteristics Values
Number of strokes prevented annually through physical activity 1 million
Reduction in stroke risk through physical activity 25%
Recommended amount of physical activity per week 2.5 hours
Recommended number of days per week for physical activity 5
Recommended amount of time per day for physical activity 30 minutes
Types of physical activity Walking, taking the stairs, gardening, housework, brisk walking, biking, active yoga, recreational swimming, jogging/running, playing tennis

medshun

Physical activity can reduce hypertension, a major contributor to stroke risk

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant risk factor for stroke. It is estimated that 1 million strokes per year are linked to physical inactivity. Fortunately, regular physical activity can help to reduce hypertension and, in turn, lower the risk of stroke.

Physical activity can reduce blood pressure by improving endothelial function and reducing left ventricular hypertrophy. It also stimulates elevations in plasma tissue plasminogen activator and HDL concentrations, while reducing fibrinogen and platelet activity. Additionally, aerobic conditioning has been shown to enhance glucose regulation and promote reductions in total serum and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, total body fat, and systemic inflammation.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), substantial health benefits can be achieved through moderate-intensity physical activity of at least 150 minutes per week or vigorous-intensity physical activity of at least 75 minutes per week. Even small amounts of physical activity can provide health benefits. For example, just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce the risk of stroke by 25%. It is recommended to be as active as possible in daily life, such as by walking instead of driving or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

It is generally safe for individuals with hypertension to engage in physical activity. However, those who have not been active for some time, have a condition that increases their risk of stroke, or are on medication should consult a health professional before starting an exercise program. It is important to start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the activity as fitness improves.

Moderate-intensity activities such as brisk walking, biking, active yoga, and recreational swimming are suitable for individuals with hypertension. Vigorous-intensity activities such as jogging, running, swimming, and playing tennis can also be beneficial. Resistance exercises, such as using an arm ergometer or light weight training, can also be incorporated into a physical activity routine.

Physical activity plays a crucial role in reducing hypertension, a major contributor to stroke risk. By engaging in regular physical activity, individuals can lower their blood pressure and subsequently reduce their risk of stroke. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for guidance on the appropriate type and intensity of physical activity.

medshun

Physical activity can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke

Physical Activity, Type 2 Diabetes, and Stroke

Physical activity is a key component of diabetes management and can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a significant risk factor for stroke, so managing diabetes through physical activity can help reduce the risk of stroke.

The Link Between Physical Activity and Type 2 Diabetes

Physical activity is an essential part of managing and preventing type 2 diabetes. It can help improve glucose regulation and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Exercise, whether aerobic or resistance training, can improve insulin sensitivity and enhance glucose uptake by skeletal muscle. Regular exercise can also lead to weight loss, which is beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes.

The Link Between Type 2 Diabetes and Stroke

Type 2 diabetes is a well-established risk factor for stroke, and individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Hyperglycemia, which is common in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, is associated with poorer clinical outcomes and higher mortality rates after a stroke. Additionally, diabetes can cause pathologic changes in blood vessels, including vascular endothelial dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness, and thickening of the capillary basal membrane, which can lead to stroke.

The Benefits of Physical Activity for Stroke Prevention

By helping to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes, physical activity can indirectly reduce the risk of stroke. Regular physical activity can also directly lower the risk of stroke by reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health. Additionally, physical activity can improve overall health and well-being, including better sleep and improved memory.

Recommendations for Physical Activity

It is recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, a combination of aerobic and resistance training may be the most effective exercise modality for controlling blood glucose and lipids. High-intensity interval training is also an effective and time-efficient option.

Déjà Vu and Strokes: Is There a Link?

You may want to see also

medshun

Physical activity can help to prevent obesity, which is also implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke

Regular physical activity is a key part of staying healthy. It lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. It can also help control stress, improve sleep, boost mood, and keep weight in check.

Physical activity helps the body function better and keeps a host of diseases at bay. It is also a key component for weight control. The precise amount of exercise needed to achieve or maintain a healthy weight varies based on a person's diet and genes.

Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death (after tobacco) and is considered a public health problem. It is a risk factor for multiple cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary disease, coronary death, congestive heart failure, and stroke. Obesity is diagnosed as a BMI over 30 kg/m^2.

The current problem with the BMI measurement is that it does not give a precise idea about body composition, which affects health risks of excess weight such as the proportion of body weight and the distribution of fat. Other methods, including waist circumference and central and peripheral fat mass, have also been proposed for the diagnosis.

Obesity predisposes an increased risk of suffering from cardiovascular and systemic diseases, such as stroke. It is associated with premature mortality, and in multiple studies, a higher risk of cardiovascular disease incidence has been demonstrated in underweight adults or just overweight (but not obese) patients. As a result, there is no clear evidence of a higher prevalence or incidence of stroke in those with an obesity diagnosis.

The "Obesity Paradox" states that patients with a high BMI might present better clinical outcomes after heart failure. This means that even when obesity leads to higher complications and the risk of suffering from multiple diseases and complications, high adiposity can present a protective role against infections and, regarding stroke, better mortality and outcomes.

Some studies show that for every 5-unit increase in BMI above 25 kg/m^2, overall mortality increases by 29%, vascular mortality by 41%, and diabetes-related mortality by 210%. However, the paradox is no longer applicable for obesity class III (40 to 49.9 kg/m^2) due to the U or J-shaped effect.

Some studies indicate that obese patients could present with mild ischemic strokes due to small vessel occlusion and have better functional outcomes, which means those patients have a lower mortality risk. Other studies have reported a "protective effect" on stroke outcomes in obese patients. Higher BMI has been related to lower long-term mortality and higher improved outcomes after a stroke episode when compared to patients with a normal BMI.

In summary, physical activity can help prevent obesity, which is also implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke.

medshun

Physical activity can improve systolic blood pressure, angina symptoms, and exercise tolerance in patients with and without revascularisation

Regular physical activity can improve systolic blood pressure, angina symptoms, and exercise tolerance in patients with and without revascularisation.

Systolic blood pressure refers to the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and it is an important indicator of cardiovascular health. Physical activity can help to lower systolic blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and stroke. This is especially true for individuals who are inactive, as they have a 30-50% greater risk of high blood pressure and hypertension than those who are active.

Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, and it is often a symptom of coronary artery disease. Exercise can help to improve angina symptoms by increasing myocardial perfusion, which is the flow of blood to the heart muscle. This, in turn, can help to reduce the frequency and severity of angina attacks.

Exercise tolerance refers to the ability to perform physical activity without experiencing undue fatigue or symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat. Improved exercise tolerance can lead to increased physical activity levels, which can further contribute to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

For individuals with revascularisation, which is a procedure to restore blood flow to the heart, physical activity can lead to improved physical activity levels, quality of life, and exercise tolerance. Additionally, it can reduce the risk of cardiac events and lower readmission rates.

Overall, physical activity plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. It is recommended that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. This can include activities such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga. Even small amounts of physical activity can provide health benefits, and it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise routine, especially for individuals with existing health conditions.

medshun

Physical activity can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, which is a leading cause of stroke

Physical Activity and the Risk of Coronary Artery Disease

Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle and has been linked to a reduced risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), a leading cause of stroke. Here are some insights into how physical activity can decrease the risk of CAD and subsequently lower the chances of experiencing a stroke.

The Link Between Physical Activity and CAD

Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including CAD. By engaging in regular physical activity, individuals can lower their chances of developing CAD. This is because physical activity helps to:

  • Reduce blood pressure
  • Improve cholesterol levels
  • Increase insulin sensitivity
  • Reduce platelet aggregation
  • Improve fibrinolytic activity
  • Decrease levels of homocysteine

Additionally, physical activity is associated with a lower body mass index (BMI) and a reduced risk of obesity, which are also factors in the development of CAD.

The Benefits of Physical Activity for CAD Prevention

The benefits of physical activity in preventing CAD are well-established. Even a small amount of physical activity can have a positive impact. Here are some key points:

  • At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week is recommended.
  • Brisk walking, biking, swimming, and other moderate activities can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and reduce CAD risks.
  • There is a clear inverse relationship between physical activity and the incidence of hypertension, a key risk factor for CAD.
  • Physical activity can lead to a 20-30% reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality, including CAD.
  • For individuals with existing CAD, physical activity can improve exercise tolerance, quality of life, and reduce the risk of cardiac events.

Exercise Prescription for CAD Prevention

When incorporating physical activity to reduce the risk of CAD, it's important to follow a safe and effective exercise prescription:

  • Aim for 20-30 minutes of daily physical activity that slightly increases your heart and breathing rate.
  • If you're new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity as your fitness improves.
  • Include a mix of aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, and group aerobics, as well as resistance exercises using light weights or resistance bands.
  • Ensure a proper warm-up and cool-down, including stretching, for at least 10 minutes each.
  • Aim for at least three non-consecutive days of exercise per week.
  • Avoid exercising at high intensities if you have certain heart conditions, asthma, diabetes, or other health concerns without consulting a healthcare professional.

Physical Activity After a Stroke

For individuals who have already experienced a stroke, regular physical activity can provide significant benefits:

  • Lower risk of having another stroke
  • Improved recovery and reduced fatigue
  • Reduced risk of developing dementia
  • Improved general well-being and quality of life

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional or a physiotherapist to determine the appropriate type and intensity of exercise, especially if your mobility has been affected by a stroke. They can help design an exercise program that suits your specific needs and abilities.

Stroke and Bipolar: Is There a Link?

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

Physical activity can reduce the risk of CAD through different mechanisms. Firstly, it can decrease myocardial oxygen demand through improved myocardial contraction, electrical stability, and increased diameter and dilating capacity of coronary arteries. Secondly, physical activity is associated with lower blood pressure, higher levels of high-density lipoproteins, and lower levels of low-density lipoproteins. Thirdly, it can increase insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Finally, it can also reduce the tendency for platelet aggregation and increase fibrinolytic activity.

Physical activity can reduce the risk of stroke by lowering blood pressure, improving endothelial function, and reducing the risk of developing hypertension.

The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise, 5 times a week, to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment