THE ROLE OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Worldwide, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death. Although the global burden of CVD is still substantial, improvements in therapy have decreased fatality rates. To reduce the burden of CVD, healthy lifestyle (HL) habits must be prioritized as preventative interventions, as the condition is still mainly preventable. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and quitting smoking are examples of HL behaviors that can affect several conventional CVD risk variables as well as cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), a risk factor that is less frequently assessed. Notably, cardiac rehabilitation programs, which have historically prioritized secondary prevention, also stress the significance of implementing thorough behavioral changes related to HL. Preventive strategies to lessen the burden of CVD by increasing the adoption and evaluation of HL behaviours are covered in this review. A summary of the significance of CRF as a risk factor is provided, as is information on how HL behavior interventions can enhance CRF and other risk factors. Additionally reviewed is the role of the clinician in encouraging HL behaviors to prevent CVD.