3 Medical Conditions That Can Result From Physical Inactivity
In today's society, many people lead sedentary lifestyles. Our busy and hectic lives often involve long periods sitting at desks and traveling in cars, meaning that many of us fail to get enough physical exercise. While finding the time to exercise may be difficult, physical inactivity can pose serious risks to your health. As well as being linked to obesity, physical inactivity can also increase the risks of serious medical conditions.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels. These conditions usually involve a restriction of blood flow to important body areas such as the heart or brain, which can lead to heart attacks (coronary heart disease) and strokes. Physical inactivity is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Physical inactivity is linked to high blood pressure (hypertension) and a reduced flexibility of the blood vessels. This leaves the vessels more prone to damage, and thus more prone to the formation of blood clots and blockages (called atheromas), which can impede blood flow. Studies have shown that doing just 150 minutes of moderate physical exercise each week can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by 30%.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot forms in one of the body's deep veins. These blood clots can cause pain and inflammation in the affected area. In the most serious cases, part of the blood clot can break off and be transported in the bloodstream to the lungs, where it can get lodged and cause a pulmonary embolism.
DVT can be caused by physical inactivity. Long periods of inactivity can cause blood to pool in the veins (especially those in the legs). This pooling dramatically slows the flow of blood and can lead to blood clot formation. While DVT can usually be treated with anticoagulant drugs, regular exercise will greatly reduce the likelihood of a blood clot forming.
Type 2 Diabetes
Recent research has suggested that physical inactivity increases the risk for Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body loses its ability to control blood sugar levels and the amount of glucose in the blood often becomes too high.
Physical inactivity is linked to increased levels of postprandial glucose (PPG). PPG refers to the spikes in blood sugar that usually occur after a meal and is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Physical activity is important for the regulation of blood glucose levels, and thus is vital in preventing Type 2 diabetes.
If you are at risk for any of these health issues, work with medical professionals. Facilities like Elite Vein Centers offer treatment for DVT, and other medical clinics provide the care you need to be healthy.
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