Exercise and Cardiovascular Health in the UAE

Abstract

Exercise and physical activity are fundamental in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). The underlying mechanisms through which exercise in particular can mediate its effects have been well studied and include, but are not limited to, changes in the vascular nitric oxide pathway, leading to a reduction in pathological vasoconstriction and enhanced endothelial function. The harmful effects of many risk factors for CVD such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and obesity can be mitigated by regular exercise. The majority of the UAE adult population currently is sedentary, and perhaps even more noteworthy is that only 16% of young adults achieve the recommended amounts of physical activity. This lack of physical activity contributes to the growing increases in obesity, diabetes, as well as premature CVD in the UAE. While there are few studies examining the impact of physical activity on health specifically within a UAE population, there is an urgent need for studies focused on generating quantitative data sets. This, as well as genetic- and epigenetic-based studies, would greatly contribute towards an enhanced and holistic understanding of CVD in the UAE population.