Physical Activity and Heart Health

Physical activity is medicine. Physical activity improves health and reduces morbidity and mortality. Lack of physical activity contributes to the development of preventable diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Current scientific evidence demonstrates the benefits of physical activity. The clinical guidelines provide recommended levels and types of physical activity. Clinicians must be knowledgeable of the benefits of and the clinical guidelines for physical activity. Further, clinicians must apply population-focused approaches to the assessment, prescribing and support of physical activity in primary prevention of CVD. Clinicians must be aware of the role of physical activity in secondary prevention and novel models of cardiac rehabilitation. Lastly, the application of current clinical recommendations must be patient centered as illustrated through case studies of physical activity assessment and prescription in clinical practice.