chapter_5

Chapter 5: Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health

Objectives

• Discuss the impact of sedentary behavior on physical activity and all-cause mortality.

• Explain the risk factors, prevalence, and economic costs of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

• Correlation between physical activity and cardiorespiratory health.

• Understand metabolic diseases, their prevalence, and their risk factors.

• Correlation between physical activity and metabolic health.

• Overview of testing methodologies for diagnosing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Introduction to Health Benefits of Physical Activity

• Regular physical activity significantly reduces the risk of premature death from all causes.

• Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week is recommended.

• More activity generally leads to lower risk of mortality.

• The relationship between physical activity volume and mortality risk is dose-responsive; even small amounts of physical activity are beneficial.

Sedentary Behavior and General Health

• Sedentary behavior is linked to increased mortality.

• Sedentary behavior impacts health more than inactivity; however, being physically active reduces the risks associated with prolonged sitting.

• Active individuals (60-75 minutes of moderate activity daily) seem to have no increased mortality risk, regardless of sedentary time.

Cardiovascular Disease Overview

• CVDs include coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and more.

• CVD is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 31% of all deaths.

• The relationship between lifestyle factors and CVD indicates that many risk factors are modifiable through regular physical activity.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

• Modifiable Risk Factors include:

  • Hypertension

  • Atherogenic dyslipidemia

  • Tobacco use

  • Physical inactivity

  • Obesity

  • Metabolic syndrome

  • Diabetes

• Nonmodifiable Risk Factors include:

  • Age

  • Sex

  • Heredity

  • Ethnicity/Race

Metabolic Syndrome

• A cluster of conditions including elevated blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and high blood sugar.

• Over 1 billion people are estimated to be affected globally, with significant associated costs.

• Lifestyle changes can prevent or manage metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Benefits of Physical Activity on Cardiorespiratory Health

• Increases muscular endurance, lowers resting heart rate, improves stroke volume, and enhances VO2max.

• Contributes to better lipid profiles and lower blood pressure.

• Overall, improves fitness and lowers risks for various chronic diseases.

Testing Methodologies for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

• Regular assessments of cardiovascular fitness (e.g., VO2max) provide insights into health status.

• Graded Exercise Testing (GXT) is commonly used to measure fitness and establish exercise prescription levels.

Recommendations for Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health

• For children and adolescents (aged 6-17):

  • 60 minutes of daily physical activity.

• For adults:

  • At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

• Older adults should follow the same guidelines but adjust for physical capacity.

Conclusion

• Regular physical activity promotes cardiorespiratory health and metabolic function.

• Guidelines are aimed at reducing the incidence of CVD and metabolic syndrome, encouraging lifestyle changes to reduce risks.

• Continued research is essential to understand the long-term benefits of various types of physical activity.