510713 - UNDERSTANDING VASCULAR HEALTH AND FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT IN THE ATHEROSCLEROTIC DISEASE PROCESS - ROLE OF EXERCISE

Physical activity has profound impacts on the vasculature in humans. Acute exercise induces immediate changes in artery function, whereas repeated episodic bouts of exercise induce chronic functional adaptation and, ultimately, structural arterial remodeling. The nature of these changes in function and structure are dependent on the characteristics of the training load and may be modulated by other factors such as exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. The clinical implications of these physiological adaptations are profound. Exercise impacts on the development of atherosclerosis and on the incidence of primary and secondary cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. Exercise also plays a role in the amelioration of other chronic diseases that possess a vascular etiology, including diabetes and dementia. The lectures will discuss about the physiological and biochemical determinants of vessel disease development, with particular focus on endothelial function and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. The course is intended for students who have a future interest in pulmonology, cardiology, anesthesia, and sports medicine.