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Exercise Prescription for CVD Prevention — EECC MCQ

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EasyHypertension & Preventive CardiologyExercise Prescription for CVD PreventionEECC

A 55-year-old sedentary man with hypertension and obesity (BMI 33) asks about exercise for cardiovascular health. According to ESC guidelines, what is the minimum recommended exercise prescription?

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Correct answer: BAt least 150-300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, combined with resistance training 2-3 times per week

The 2021 ESC Prevention Guidelines recommend ≥150-300 minutes/week of moderate-intensity or 75-150 minutes/week of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or a combination (Class I, LOE A). Additionally, muscle-strengthening activities on ≥2 days/week are recommended. Any physical activity is better than none, and reducing sedentary time is independently beneficial. For patients with established CVD, exercise recommendations are similar but should be guided by exercise testing and cardiac rehabilitation programs. Exercise training lowers BP by 5-8 mmHg (comparable to a single antihypertensive drug), improves insulin sensitivity, promotes weight loss, and reduces mortality.

Reference: ESC (2021): Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention; ESC (2020): Sports Cardiology Guidelines