The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global health threat, with its incidence and mortality rates persistently rising, particularly under modern lifestyles characterized by unhealthy habits and sedentary behaviors. Traditional moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) faces challenges in widespread adherence due to its time-consuming nature, prompting the need to explore more efficient exercise interventions. This study compares the differences between high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and MICT, analyzing their respective impacts on cardiovascular health, underlying mechanisms, and applicability. The findings demonstrate that HIIT, through its alternating pattern of short-duration high-intensity exercise and active recovery, achieves significant improvements in maximal oxygen uptake (VO max), endothelial function, blood pressure, and lipid profiles within a shorter timeframe, with efficacy comparable to or even superior to MICT. However, the long-term benefits of HIIT may be compromised by insufficient maintenance of training intensity, and it poses potential safety risks for individuals with high cardiovascular risk. In contrast, MICT exhibits higher safety and suitability for chronic patients and elderly populations, though its effects require prolonged adherence to manifest. This study highlights HIIT's time-efficiency advantages and limitations, emphasizing the importance of personalized program design to optimize exercise intervention strategies. It also identifies future research priorities, including the standardization of HIIT protocols and investigation of long-term outcomes, to facilitate its evidence-based integration into daily life.