Abstract des Autors

Cardiovascular disease is the principal cause of death in Europe, the United States, and much of Asia. If sedentary people begin exercising on a regular basis, there is epidemiological evidence of approximately 50% reduction in their risk of developing coronary heart disease. This article is an overview about epidemiology and pathogenesis of atherosclerotic lesions. It is intended to put forth the hypothesis that exercise modulates monocytes and T-lymphocytes and that this modulation is capable of guarding against atherosclerosis or inducing regression of atherosclerotic lesions. The literature does not provide sufficient data for drawing conclusions, but this article introduces a new direction of exercise immunological research. Prevention of atherosclerosis or regression of reversible forms of atherosclerotic lesions such as fatty streaks is the principal goal of preventive efforts. Sports medicine and exercise immunology may contribute significantly to the knowledge base if the cellular and molecular responses of regular exercise for atherogenesis are discovered. Verf.-Referat