Physical activity-a protective factor for cardiovascular health

Dandanes skoraj nihče več ne dvomi, da sodi redna telesna aktivnost med temeljne elemente življenjskega sloga, usmerjenega v varovanje zdravja. Mnoge raziskave so dokazale koristnost redne telesne aktivnosti za preprečevanje nastanka, napredovanja in zapletov najrazličnejših vrst kroničnih nalezljivih bolezni, še posebej bolezni srca in ožilja. V teoretičnem delu diplomske naloge je bila predstavljena telesna aktivnost kot varovalni dejavnik za zdravje srca in ožilja. Predstavljeni so bili ugodni učinki redne telesne aktivnosti na srce in ožilje, na nekatere presnovne parametre ter na mišično moč in gibljivost. Obdelani so bili dejavniki tveganja za nastanek bolezni srca in ožilja. Predstavljen je bil koronarni klub Maribor, kje delujejo koronarni klubi še drugod po Sloveniji in koliko jih je, predstavljeni so njegovi uporabniki in izvajalci programa. V preprečevanje bolezni je bila vključena tudi zdravstvena vzgoja. V empiričnem delu je predstavljena raziskava, ki je potekala med vadečimi pacienti v koronarnem klubu Maribor. Izvedena je bila s pomočjo anketnega vprašalnika. Ugotovljeno je bilo, da pacienti dobro poznajo koronarno bolezen in dejavnike tveganja. So seznanjeni s telesno aktivnostjo in so redno telesno aktivni več kot 1x tedensko. Poznajo večino vrst telesne aktivnosti in tudi njen pomen. Še vedno pa nekaj pacientov premalo pozna dejavnike tveganja za nastanek bolezni srca in ožilja, kar pomeni, da jih v vsakdanjem življenju ne morejo upoštevati. Zato je zelo pomembno, da je za paciente organizirana permanentna zdravstvena vzgoja. Od nas samih je odvisno kdaj, kje, na kak način in koliko časa bomo telesno aktivni. Sami najbolje vemo koliko smo sposobni in koliko prostega časa nam ostane za telesno aktivnost. A ne pozabimo dejstva, da telesna neaktivnost povzroči ravno toliko škode, kot če bi pokadili 25 cigaret dnevno.Nowadays it is widely accepted, that physical activity is a vital part of our health preservation oriented lifestyle. Research has shown the beneficial effects of regular exercise in the occurrence of chronic illnesses and their complications, particularly cardiovascular diseases. In the theoretical part of the diploma dissertation physical activity was described as a principal safeguard against cardiovascular disease. We demonstrated the beneficial effects of regular physical activity on the cardiovascular system, the metabolism and on both the strength and flexibility of the muscular system. The risk factors for developing cardiovascular problems were discussed. Maribor’s coronary club was presented as well as the other coronary clubs of Slovenia (their locations, members, supervisors). Also pointed out was the importance of health care education in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In the empirical part a survey among the members (patients) of Maribor’s coronary club is presented. Using a questionnaire we found out that the patients are well informed about cardiovascular diseases and the risk factors involved in their development. They are aware of the benefits of being physically active and are physically active more than once weekly. However there are still some patients who are not fully aware of the risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease, therefore it is very important that permanent health care education for patients is organized. It is entirely up to us to decide when, where and how much we will be physically active. Everyone knows best what he or she is capable of and how much free time can be allotted to physical activity, but the fact remains, that a sedentary lifestyle is just as harmful as smoking 25 cigarettes per day