Physical activity may reduce atherosclerosis
Physical activity during leisure time decreases the buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis), and more vigorous activity, the greater the profit. These findings, published in the July issue of American Journal of Medicine, are based on a study of 500 patients followed for three years. Participants made ultrasonic tests, the progression of atherosclerosis in the carotid artery to evaluate a major neck artery. None of the subjects had a history of cardiovascular disease.Subjects who engaged in vigorous activity during leisure time as an aerobic activity of at least 3.5 times defined for each week, showed the least amount of plague thickening per year - only 5.5 microns. thickened contrast, the plagues of sedentary subjects by 14.3 micrometers per year. Compared
with moderately active subjects, vigorously active subjects had the lowest body mass index (weight / height ratio), slower resting heart rate and higher HDL (good cholesterol), study author Dr. James H. Dwyer, University of Southern California in Los Angeles and his colleagues.In the initial assessment, physical activity at work appeared to accelerate the progress of the plague - just the opposite effect of leisure activities. However, when the researchers adjusted for level of stress at work, the relationship was no longer statistically significant. Based on these results, further studies on the effects of exercise or physical activity on the rate of progression of carotid atherosclerosis are needed, the investigators note. These studies are more feasible than aiming atthe prevention of cardiovascular events, they added.