Herz
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Endothelial dysfunction has been identified as a major predictor of future cardiovascular events and precedes the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Regular physical exercise training--as part of a multifactorial intervention--corrects endothelial dysfunction, improves symptoms in patients with CAD, augments myocardial perfusion, and reduces mortality of these patients. This review discusses potential mechanisms, which might be responsible for the exercise training-mediated reduction of mortality in secondary prevention. ⋯ Moreover, physical exercise training is essential to maintain a body weight that has been achieved by caloric restriction. It is important to look for exercise interventions that can easily be integrated in daily life and are not associated with an increased risk of trauma, even in severely obese individuals. Most importantly, patients should enjoy the proposed kind of physical exercise.
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Obesity, defined as a body mass index>or=30 kg/m2, is a modern epidemic and is increasing worldwide. Depending on the genetic makeup, lifestyle factors such as high-caloric nutrition, lack of physical activity and certain psychosocial conditions are the main determinants of its manifestation and progression. ⋯ Each treatment program consists of a hypocaloric diet, increase in physical activity, a behavior modification training and, eventually, weight-lowering drugs. An effective treatment of this condition may not only significantly improve most somatic and psychological comorbidities of the patients but also prolong life.