The effect of physical activity on endothelial function in man

Endothelial dysfunction occurs early in the atherosclerosis in response to elevated atherosclerotic risk factors, and endothelial dysfunction itself may exacerbate the atherosclerotic process. Treatments that reduce atherosclerotic risk factors also generally improve endothelial function. The present review seeks to summarize the effect of exercise training on endothelial function in human subjects. Cross-sectional studies comparing healthy physically active and inactive subjects as well as longitudinal exercise training studies of healthy individuals show little effect of exercise training on endothelial function. In contrast, both cross-section and longitudinal studies document improved endothelial function with exercise training in subjects with abnormal baseline endothelial function, including the elderly and patients with heart failure or coronary artery disease. Improvements in endothelial function with physical activity may explain some of the benefits of exercise in subjects with, or at risk for, vascular disease.