Role of exercise in cardiovascular health: a narrative review from prevention to therapeutic utilizations

) stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, while pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are downregulated. Large-scale cohort studies have proved that regular exercise can reduce all-cause and CVD mortality by 36%-56%. This magnitude of risk reduction rivals or exceeds that achieved by pharmacological interventions such as statins or antihypertensives, positioning physical activity as a foundational, cost-effective intervention for population-level cardiovascular disease prevention. However, excessive exercise may pose risks such as arrhythmias or myocardial strain, underscoring the need for personalized, balanced exercise programs. Future research should focus on defining best exercise prescriptions, understanding exercise-drug interactions, and developing biomarkers to check adaptive responses. Ultimately, integrating personalized exercise medicine into healthcare and public policy offers a cost-effective strategy for preventing and managing CVD, promoting lifelong cardiovascular resilience and well-being.