It is widely accepted that regular physical activity is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Frequent exercise is robustly associated with a decrease in cardiovascular mortality as well as the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Physically active individuals have lower blood pressure, higher insulin sensitivity, and a more favorable plasma lipoprotein profile. Animal models of exercise show that repeated physical activity suppresses atherogenesis and increases the availability of vasodilatory mediators such as nitric oxide. Exercise has also been found to have beneficial effects on the heart.

cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of adults worldwide. regular physical activity has been identified as an effective treatment to improve physical function and reduce mortality in cardiac patients. the most common modality prescribed is aerobic training, although more recently resistance training and interval training have been introduced. these modalities enhance cardiac function, maximal oxygen uptake (v[combining dot above]o2max), and overall tolerance to exercise and improve health status