Physical activity and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk

Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance, 2023Visseren, 2021

Regular physical activity has a beneficial effect on multiple risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) (eg type 2 diabetes, body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, depression, anxiety), as well as a significant mortality benefit. Physical activity should be strongly encouraged in all patients, for both the prevention and management of ASCVD.

The Heart Foundation recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (eg brisk walking) on most, if not all, days of the week (ie at least 150 minutes per week), including muscle-strengthening exercise at least twice per week. This total amount of activity can be accumulated in bouts as short as 10 minutes. Advise the patient to minimise episodes of prolonged sitting, and to frequently break up long periods of sitting.

More vigorous activity (for those who are willing and able) may confer additional cardiovascular benefit. Other forms of physical activity, such as yoga and tai chi, have shown positive effects on depression, anxiety and blood pressure in some studies.

Refer patients with established heart disease or other serious comorbidities to an exercise physiologist (or a structured physical activity program) for a tailored plan that is appropriate for their clinical condition. See Cardiac rehabilitation programs for more information about cardiac rehabilitation programs.