Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the preeminent cause of death for both males and females in the United States (US).1 Approximately 610,000 people in the US die of CVD each year, which constitutes 1 out of every 4 deaths. Furthermore, 1 in 3 individuals, or approximately 80 million adult Americans have CVD. In 2011, the projected direct costs from health expenditures and indirect costs from lost productivity for CVD and stroke, which is a long-term complication of cardiovascular disorders, were estimated to be $320.1 billion.2 This is particularly perturbing, because 80% of cases of premature CVD are largely preventable through lifestyle interventions like physical activity (PA) and improved diet. 2-4 An emphasis on preventing CVD before its
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Ideal cardiovascular health is defined by the American Hearts Association (AHA) to be the concurrent existence of seven critical health factors and behaviors (“untreated total cholesterol < 200mg/dL, untreated blood pressure (BP) < 120/ < 80 mmHg, and untreated fasting glucose < 25 kg/m2, physical activity at ideal levels, and adequate diet in line with recommended AHA guidelines”).7, 8 The overall prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health, even after using a lenient definition of ideal cardiovascular health with five critical health factors and behaviors instead of seven, is very low (<3 times the resting state); moderate PA is between 3 and 6 METs; intense PA is greater than or equal to 6 METs.16 The AHA recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate PA on five days each week or a minimum of 75 minutes a week of intense PA and at least 2 days a week of muscle strengthening exercises.17 However, recent studies indicate that PA is beneficial for cardiovascular risk reduction, even at lower levels than the recommended standards, especially amongst unfit …show more content…
Furthermore, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) illustrated a reduction of salt-intake by reduced blood pressures in those with and without hypertension.52, 53 Evidence to support reduced sodium intake was intensified by the DASH sodium trial, a dose-response trial, examining the effects of three sodium intakes on hypertension. The DASH sodium trial indicated that higher doses of sodium respectively corresponded with higher blood pressure.54,
Ideal cardiovascular health is defined by the American Hearts Association (AHA) to be the concurrent existence of seven critical health factors and behaviors (“untreated total cholesterol < 200mg/dL, untreated blood pressure (BP) < 120/ < 80 mmHg, and untreated fasting glucose < 25 kg/m2, physical activity at ideal levels, and adequate diet in line with recommended AHA guidelines”).7, 8 The overall prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health, even after using a lenient definition of ideal cardiovascular health with five critical health factors and behaviors instead of seven, is very low (<3 times the resting state); moderate PA is between 3 and 6 METs; intense PA is greater than or equal to 6 METs.16 The AHA recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate PA on five days each week or a minimum of 75 minutes a week of intense PA and at least 2 days a week of muscle strengthening exercises.17 However, recent studies indicate that PA is beneficial for cardiovascular risk reduction, even at lower levels than the recommended standards, especially amongst unfit …show more content…
Furthermore, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) illustrated a reduction of salt-intake by reduced blood pressures in those with and without hypertension.52, 53 Evidence to support reduced sodium intake was intensified by the DASH sodium trial, a dose-response trial, examining the effects of three sodium intakes on hypertension. The DASH sodium trial indicated that higher doses of sodium respectively corresponded with higher blood pressure.54,