Physical activity for prevention of cardiovascular diseases: two sides of the same medal

Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases according to the World Health Organization. Numerous studies have demonstrated the impact of regular physical activities on the reduction of mortality from all causes and cardiovascular mortality. The risk reduction was the greatest for strenuous exercises. At the same time, moderate daily activity also contributed to the decrease in mortality to a lesser extent. In addition, new scientific data shows that chronic, excessive, high-intensity exercises can cause oxidative stress and myocardial fibrosis, accelerate the development of atherosclerosis, enlarge vascular wall thickness and increase stiffness of the heart chamber. This suggests that athletes are not protected from cardiovascular diseases. It is notable that such an important element in the development of atherosclerotic process as coronary calcium manifests with various severity, depending on the performed physical activities.