Physical inactivity : preventable risk factor of cardiovascular disease

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015A sedentary behavior is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Regular physical activity (PA) and aerobic exercise training are related to a reduced risk of fatal and non fatal cardiovascular events in healthy individuals, in high risk individuals (subjects with hypertension, glucose intolerance/diabetes, dyslipidemia, overweight/obesity), and cardiac patients. It is a very important non-pharmacological tool for primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention [1]. Moreover, there is substantial evidence that physical inactivity is a major contributor to death and disability from CVDs and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide, identified by the United Nations as threats to global health (diabetes, breast and colon cancer). This modifiable lifestyle has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths globally, and the main cause for approximately 30 % of ischemic heart disease burden [2]