Short-term advantages of high-intensity interval training for cardiovascular health among high-risk adults

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cause significant global morbidity and mortality. Exercise is recognized as an essential preventive strategy. Objective: To review nine observational studies evaluating the effects of aerobic exercise, resistance training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: Observational studies (2000–2024) identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science that assessed exercise’s impacts on blood pressure, cholesterol, arterial stiffness, and cardiovascular risk were included. Results: Nine studies were reviewed. Aerobic exercise (described in four studies) consistently improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and arterial stiffness. Resistance training (the subject of three studies) showed moderate cardiovascular benefits, and HIIT (addressed in two studies) significantly improved cardiovascular markers in high-risk groups. Conclusions: Aerobic and HIIT interventions notably enhance cardiovascular health. Resistance training showed moderate benefits. Future long-term studies involving diverse populations are needed to explore the diverse effects of different exercise modalities on cardiovascular health outcomes.