Physical Inactivity and Cardiovascular Disease

What Is Physical Inactivity?

Physical inactivity identifies persons who are not getting the the level of regular physical activity required for optimal health. The American Heart Association recommends 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times per week to enhance cardiovascular and physical fitness. The recommended minimum level of physical activity is expenditure of 150 kilocalories daily in moderate or vigorous activities, which coincides with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and American College of Sports Medicine recommendations. It is also recommended that adults participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity 3-4 days per week.

What Are Moderate Activities?

• pleasure walking


• climbing stairs


• gardening


• yard work


• moderate-to-heavy housework


• dancing and


• home exercise

More vigorous aerobic activities include:

• Brisk walking/running


• Swimming


• Bicycling


• Roller skating


• Jumping rope

Activites performed three or four times a week for 30-60 minutes, help to improve heart and lung function.

What are the consequences of physical inactivity for cardiovascular disease (CVD)?

Regular physical activity reduces:

• Risk of dying prematurely from CVD


• Prevent the onset of diabetes


• Helps maintain weight loss


• reduces hypertension

All are risk factors for CVD. Less active people have a 30-50 percent greater risk of developing high blood pressure.

Physical inactivity ranks similarly to cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol. Twice as many adults in the United States are physically inactive than smoke cigarettes. Regular physical activity has been shown to help protect against first cardiac episode, help patients' recovery from coronary surgeries, and will reduce the risk of recurrent cardiac events.

How large is the problem of physical inactivity in the United States?

Approximately 35% of coronary heart disease mortality is due to physical inactivity. The significance of this relationship lies in the fact that coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States with over 700,000 deaths per year. Approximately 60% of all Americans age 18 and older report physical inactivity. Physical inactivity has a major economic impact. There is loss of income and productivity when disabling diseases result and costs the nation $5.7 billion due to hospitalizations and other health care costs.

Physical inactivity is more prevalent among:

• Women


• Blacks and Hispanics


• Older adults


• The less affluent


• The under-educated


• People with injures that limit movement


• Adolescents,


• Overweight adults


• People with low incomes

*Let it be noted that the writer of this lesson disagrees with the above findings, especially where women are concerned. Most, if not over half, of all households in the US are run by women, who are raising children while going to school to further their education, and holding down jobs all at the same time. I know because I have done it, as well as countless numbers of women all over the world! Inactive? I don't think so!

Cardiovascular disease can be treated and ultimately preventable. Even in the presence of heart disease, people can reduce their risk factors by increasing their physical activity and changing their lifestyle. The benefits can not be ignored.

Before starting any exercise routine, consult your physician who can offer tips and help with getting you on the road to a better and healthier style of living.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT