ABSTRACT
This chapter briefly outlines the differential effects of physical activity, exercise training, and physical fitness on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in men and women, and the possible mechanisms mediating such differences. It provides basic guidelines for physical activity and exercise training prescriptions for the purpose of reducing CHD risk. The precise mechanisms by which regular physical activity or exercise training aid in attenuating the risk of developing or dying from CHD have been the topic of much speculation. Several highly plausible mechanisms have been proposed. Cigarette smoking is associated with decreased levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, increased platelet aggregability, elevated plasma fibrogen levels, increased myocardial oxygen requirements, and greater susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women and men. It is evident that a regular physical activity/exercise training program can reduce the risk of CHD via an alteration in many of the known factors which contribute to this condition.
