Physical activity in treatment and prevention with a focus on risk factors for cardiovascular disease

Overview

In the Czech Republic, the number of overweight and obese people has increased in recent months as a result of the COVID- 19 pandemic; recent data show that in the adult population it is approximately 57%. It has been proven that obese patients suffer from hypertension 5 times more often and diabetes 6 times more often (in the vast majority this involves type 2 diabetes). Associated diseases, in particular cardiovascular disease and vascular stroke, may be favourably influenced by an exercise programme, i.e. a physical activity plan. However, if another influencing factor is present, such as the condition of the locomotor apparatus (back pain, arthrosis of the supporting joints, etc.), we find that the recommendation of movement may turn out quite complicated. Somewhat unfortunately, we need to resort to recommendations that, though being based on large clinical data, are often unattainable for the patient, i.e. they do not understand how to make them work for themselves. Therefore, physical activity requires sufficient motivation which may initially be very small, although patients are aware that physical activity is “important.” Then it is essential to evaluate the effect of our recommendation, and possibly its modification, if for some reason the expected goal has not been achieved.

Keywords:

cardiovascular disease – exercise programme – obesity – overweight – Physical activity