Exercise training in primary prevention of coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and effective strategies for primary prevention of CHD are critical. Primary prevention of Cardiovascular disease (CVD) focuses on reducing the risk factors in populations who have no evidence of disease but who have dyslipidemia or other cardiac risk factors. Sedentary lifestyle is an established modifiable risk factor for CHD. Exercise is a natural function of the body. The health benefits of exercise come from the combined effect of exercise on all body systems including the cardiovascular system. There are many benefits of regular exercise including Primordial and Primary Prevention for CVD, improved musculoskeletal health, better weight management, reduced risk for hypertension, less dyslipidemia, reduced symptoms of depression, and improved overall quality of life. This review presents data from studies supporting the benefits of PA, and exercise training for primary prevention of coronary heart disease nTerminologies Physical activity (PA): The 1996 National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference Statement on Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health defined PA as “bodily movement produced by skeletal muscle that requires 1 energy expenditure and promotes health benefits.” The amount of energy required can be measured in kilojoules (kJ) or kilocalories (kcal); 4.184 kJ is essentially equivalent to 1 kcal. The kJ is preferred unit because it is a measure of energy expenditure; however kcal, a measure of heat, has been employed more often. Moderate-intensity physical activity: On an absolute scale, moderate intensity refers to activity that is performed at 3.0–5.9 times the intensity of rest. On a scale relative to an individual’s personal capacity, moderate-intensity 2 physical activity is usually a 5 or 6 on a scale of 0–10. Vigorous-intensity physical activity: On an absolute scale, vigorous intensity refers to activity that is performed at 6.0 or more times the intensity of rest for adults and typically 7.0 or more times for children and youth. On a scale relative to an individual’s personal capacity, vigorous intensity physical activity is usually a 7 or 8 on a scale of