Biologic mechanisms for benefit of exercise

Antiatherogenic effects

Reduction of adiposity, particularly in those with excess upper body and abdominal fat
Reduction of elevated blood pressure
Reduction of elevated plasma triglycerides (and associated small, dense LDL particles)
Increase in HDL cholesterol levels
Improvement in insulin sensitivity and glucose use and reduction in risk of type 2 diabetes

Antithrombotic effects

Endothelial function alteration

Autonomic functional changes

Anti-ischemic effects

Antiarrhythmic effects

HDL: high-density lipoprotein; LDL: low-density lipoprotein.

Reproduced with permission from: Fletcher GF, Balady GJ, Amsterdam EA, et al. Circulation 2001; 104:1694.

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