Cardiovascular diseases
Lenka Beránková
Department of Health Promotion
Faculty of Sports Studies

nCardiovascular diseases remain the biggest cause of deaths worldwide, though over the last two
decades. Cardiovascular mortality rates have declined in many high-income countries but have
increased at an astonishingly fast rate in low- and middle-income countries.

Cardiovascular diseases
n are the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. While the term technically
refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, it is usually used to refer to those
related to atherosclerosis (arterial disease). These conditions usually have similar causes,
mechanisms, and treatments.

Cardiovascular diseases includes
nCoronary Heart Diseases
nHeart Attack
nRheumatic Heart Diseases
nAtherosclerosis
nStroke
nHigh Blood Pressure
nCongestive Heart Failure
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Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD)
nCoronary Heart Disease is the Major form of Cardiovascular Disease
nArteries are narrowed by fatty deposits such as cholesterol and triglycerides.
nBlood supply is thereby limited to heart muscle precipitating a heart attack.

Leading Risk Factors for CHD
nPhysical Inactivity (greatest impact)
nHigh Blood Pressure
nExcessive Body Fat
nLow HDL-Cholesterol
nElevated LDL-Cholesterol
nElevated Triglycerides
nElevated homocysteine
nHigh sensitivity CRP

More risk factors
nDiabetes
nAbnormal Electrocardiograms (ECG)
nTobacco Use
nStress
nFamily History
nAge
nGender

Heart Attack – Myocardial Infarction
n is the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing heart cells to die. This is
most commonly due to blockage of a coronary artery following the rupture of a vulnerable
atherosclerotic plaque, which is an unstable collection of lipids (fatty acids) and white blood
cells in the wall of an artery. The resulting ischemia and oxygen shortage if left untreated for a
sufficient period of time, can cause damage or death of heart muscle tissue.

Heart Attack Warning Signs
1.Chest discomfort.
2.Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.
3.Shortness of breath.
nMay occur with or without chest discomfort.
nOther signs:  These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Stroke
nA blood vessel leading to the brain is blocked or bursts, preventing oxygen and nutrients from
reaching the brain.
n2 types: Ischemic and Hemorrhagic. Ischemic (blockage) accounts 83% of strokes . Hemorrhagic is
less common (17%). Vessel bursts, blood leaks into brain.
nRisk factors for stroke same as all cardiovascular diseases (smoking, lifestyle habits, diet,
blood pressure, physical inactivity, overweight)

Stroke Warning Signs
1.Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
2.Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
3.Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
4.Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
5.Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Importance of physical activity on
Cardiovascular Diseases
nThe importance of physical activity are obvious in terms of both weight control, control of
carbohydrate metabolism and increases HDL-cholesterol
nRegular aerobic physical activity leads to improved transport of oxygen in the body,
reducing myocardial oxygen demands for the workload and reducing the extent of ischemia during
exercise
nThere is evidence that aerobic exercise also leads to an increase in parasympathetic tone branch
of the autonomic nervous system, reducing the risk of sudden arrhythmic cardiac death
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Physical acitivty on Cardiovascular Diseases
n1) Indirect impact include reduction of risk factors particulary in strengthening muscles and
certain lifestyle changes
n
n2) Direct impacts are the reduction resting and exercise heart rate, blood pressure, increased
peripheral venous tone, improved myocardial contractility

Physical activity as a part of therapy
nIt is based on aerobic exercise
nGradually, as well as strengthening exercises
nIndividual training plan according to the results of stress test (spiroergometry)
nIntensity: 60-70% VO2 max.
nDuration: At least 3 months, 3 x per week, 1 hour
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Examples of physical activity
nCycling
nWalking
nSwimming
nRunning
nRollerskating
nCross-country skiing
nCircuit training
nRiding on exercise bike
nRowing

Thank you for attention