Exercise as a prophylaxis of heart diseases

Abstract

Over the past century we have become increasingly sedentary due to the technical advancements of today's world. Studies have shown that the decline in our physical activity associated with these advancements plays a great role in the decline of our health. Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality in almost all countries, accounting for 36% of all deaths in 2013. They cover a range of diseases related to the circulatory system, including ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease (or stroke). A sedentary lifestyle is one of the 5 major risk factors (along with high blood pressure, abnormal values for blood lipids, smoking, and obesity) for cardiovascular disease.