Recent studies show the link between exercise and health. Learn about exercise and heart health – how physical activity can help and more.
In a recent study, researchers found that there is a significant connection between exercise, cardiorespiratory fitness, and pulse wave velocity that may help folk’s hearts for those with psoriasis. Specifically referring to patients with psoriasis, the research analyzes these factors, which are preclinical indicators of future cardiovascular disease risk.
The study findings, which are available in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, show the benefits of physical activity for psoriasis patients. Ultimately, they show that exercise may reduce the risk of future CVD (cardiovascular disease) in individuals with psoriasis.
Since psoriasis is one of the most common immune-mediated diseases in the U.S., it’s important to know this connection. Moreover, the disease has been associated with other CVD risk factors like hypertension, obesity, and insulin resistance.
What The Research Shows
A lack of physical activity contributes to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in those with psoriasis. In addition, several disease-specific barriers can impact adherence in patients such as skin sensitivity, severity, clothing choice, treatments, and more.
Studies show that aerobic exercise may significantly improve arterial stiffness. As a predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality, researchers measure arterial stiffness via pulse wave velocity (PWV).
“Studies suggest that moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis may be independently associated with increased arterial stiffness,” study authors explain. “Although the effect of physical activity on arterial stiffness in psoriasis is not known.”
The Study
Their research involved 242 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis who were age 18 or older. The patients were from a regional psoriasis clinic and primary care centers in North-West England.
In addition, researchers examined the objective measurement efficacy of diastolic reflection area (DRA) in correlation with cardiorespiratory fitness and CVD. The DRA is a complex dimensionless variable describing key determinants of left ventricular function impacted by arterial stiffness.
“DRA is significantly higher in those who exercise,” the researchers note. “[This suggests] that it may objectively quantify volume of physical activity undertaken.” Results show that 21% of the study cohort had PWV indicating arterial stiffness. Moreover, 27% had DRA that suggests impaired coronary circulation.
“Our study describes a significant relationship between exercise, cardiorespiratory fitness, and PWV… in patients with psoriasis,” conclude the study authors. “A tailored approach to increasing physical activity in the psoriasis population could help diminish CVD risk.”
Exercise and Heart Health – How Physical Activity Can Help
While this study focuses on patients with psoriasis, other studies show the importance of exercise in promoting better heart health. The American Heart Association recommends most people get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
If you want to boost your heart health even more, use a supplement like L-arginine Plus. Its ingredients promote healthy circulation, blood pressure, cholesterol, energy, and more.
Give your heart health the necessary support and try L-arginine Plus alongside a healthy workout routine.