Background: Effective prevention of cardiovascular diseases is of utmost importance in Western civilizations as they are on top of mortality statistics.
Primary prevention: Physical exercise plays an important role in optimizing the individuals cardiovascular risk profile. However in the absence of scientifically based studies the potential benefit of physical exercise is often being discussed. Recently by several population-based studies it has been proven that physical exercise is inversely related to long-term cardiovascular mortality in both man and women of all age groups, even after adjustment for other risk factors.
Secondary prevention: Even for secondary prevention in clinical studies and meta-analyses a reduction of all causes and cardiovascular mortality of 20-45% was found after physical exercise.
Type of sports: At present it is being discussed controversially which type of sports would be most beneficial. Recent studies have shown that cardiovascular risk reduction is not only the consequence of vigorous exercise, especially endurance training, but can also be achieved by moderate training programs like walking or increased daily activities.
Conclusion: Current epidemiological data reveal the necessity to perform more physical activity/exercise training, which would best be integrated in a health-oriented lifestyle. An early beginning, even in childhood, is important.