It's an accepted fact that people who are more physically active are less likely to have problems with heart disease. But why is that? Two new studies provide some clues.

• An Army team of researchers investigated the theory that exercise reduces the formation of calcified plaque in the arteries. They found that physical activity, particularly high-intensity exercise in sports-related activities, did promote a healthy cardiovascular risk profile. However, their research showed that it was not related to the development of calcification in the coronary arteries. The presence of coronary calcium was similar in the most sedentary and the most active patients tested. The only thing they found that was associated with the presence of coronary calcium was LDL cholesterol level.

• Another research group determined that cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training improves the characteristics of the blood. They tested 23 patients with coronary heart disease before and after they underwent a standard cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training program. Those who participated in the exercise program had less viscous blood and plasma, and their blood was better able to carry oxygen, after the exercise than before. These investigators concluded that such improvements may contribute to the increased functional capacity and reduced morbidity and mortality associated with cardiac rehab and exercise programs.

Related information: Facts about Blood Cholesterol - Make physical activity part of your routine | Nutrition channel - Fitness Basics

Sources:

• Taylor AJ, Watkins T, Bell D, et al. Physical activity and the presence and extent of calcified coronary atherosclerosis. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, February 2002;34:228-233. (Abs.)
• Church TS, Lavie CJ, Milani RV, et al. Improvements in blood rheology after cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training in patients with coronary heart disease. American Heart Journal, February 2002;143(2):349-355. (Abs.)