Physical inactivity as a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality

Abstract

The review discusses the results of various clinical studies assessing the impact of physical activity on the cardiovascular system and provides the evidence suggesting that physical inactivity along with psychosocial factors, i.e. smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, obesity, arterial hypertension, diabetes, is one of the most significant risk factors leading to the development of cardiovascular disease. The comparative assessment of the indicators of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality adjusted to the level of physical activity and gender in the countries with different socioeconomic development is presented. Thus, there is a need to increase adherence to the recommended levels of physical activity in order to reduce cardiovascular morbidity, overall and cardiovascular mortality in the countries with different income levels.