The Impact of Habitual Physical Activity on Cardiovascular Disease Incidence in Adults: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal and Clinical Evidence

Authors

  • Fatima Abdulatif Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria Author
  • Abdu Bello Gololo Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66811/eijrihs.vol1.no3.54

Keywords:

physical activity, cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart failure, primary prevention.

Abstract

The preventive practices which are aimed at lifestyle modification are required to be strong as the cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain to be the leading cause of mortality in the world. Despite the evidence of benefits of movement in cardioprotection, a new synthesis is required to establish more accurate connections between cardiovascular outcomes and various levels of actions in the long term. This systematic review determines the correlation between physical activity and the CVD risk among patients 18 years and above by using recent longitudinal and intervention data. It was conducted using systematic searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science that thoroughly searched peer-reviewed research published within the years 2021 to 2026. A selection of 38 studies that include more than 2.4 million individuals of different geographic areas was completed following the PRISMA 2020 standards. Moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is inversely correlated with the incidence of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure; results of prospective cohorts demonstrate a strong negative relationship. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) also demonstrate (particularly when combined with aerobic and resistance training) substantial improvements in cardiovascular indicators, including blood pressure and lipid profiles. Also, recent studies indicate that despite the total exercise amounts, sedentary behaviour is a distinctive risk factor of cardiovascular events. The findings show that large amounts of reduction in the risk occur at lower levels than the contemporary global recommendations, although greater amounts of activity provide maximum coverage. In order to reduce the global impact of cardiovascular disease, reduction in inactive time and encouragement of organised exercise should take a high priority in the public health framework.

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Author Biographies

  • Fatima Abdulatif, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria

    Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic and Applied Biological Sciences,

    Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria.

  • Abdu Bello Gololo

    Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Applied Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

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Published

2026-06-28

How to Cite

The Impact of Habitual Physical Activity on Cardiovascular Disease Incidence in Adults: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal and Clinical Evidence. (2026). EIJRIHS, 1(3), 316-327. https://doi.org/10.66811/eijrihs.vol1.no3.54

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