Einfluss der körperlichen aktivität auf die arterienwand

In contrast to resistance training, endurance exercise increases the blood flow to the working musculature and entire arterial system in young and elderly subjects. This results in an increase in shear stress and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent reduction of arterial stiffness. These positive effects of improved circulation are already apparent after a few weeks of endurance training, are however lost just as quickly. It takes several years to achieve a true structural adaptation of the arterial wall which requires a constant increase or decrease in physical activity and thus intra-arterial blood flow. The intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid arteries is seen as a surrogate marker for cardiovascular events and increases with age even in healthy subjects. Regular, moderate-intensity exercise can attenuate this age-dependent increase in the IMT. A minimum surplus of +2000 kcal per week in exercise-induced energy turnover must be reached in order to achieve this effect. However, current scientific evidence does not permit a definite statement to be made regarding the necessary volume and intensity of endurance exercise training to elicit these protective vascular effects.