Physical activity and coronary heart disease: A brief update and population view (part II)

The possible role of physical activity in the prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) was summarized based on observations from anthropology, physiology, and clinical and population studies in Part 1. The evidence suggests that habitual physical activity is importantly involved in the control and prevention of elevated cardiovascular risk factors, which in turn suggests that the health importance of physical activity is greater than might be inferred from its degree of association with individual and population CHD risk. From this synthesis, a rationale and strategy are developed for preventive practice and public health policy.