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.