Nutrition Made Simple! - Best Workout to Unclog Arteries (HIIT vs regular cardio)
The video discusses a study that examined the effects of exercise on reducing plaque in patients with established heart disease. The study involved 60 patients who were divided into two groups: one received standard medical care, while the other participated in an exercise program. The exercise regimen included interval training with periods of high intensity at 85-95% of peak heart rate, performed twice a week for six months. Results showed a 5% reduction in total plaque burden and a 1% reduction in percent atheroma volume (PAV), which correlates with a 20% reduction in heart attack and stroke risk per 1% PAV reduction. An earlier study with a smaller sample size compared interval training with continuous cardio, finding both effective in reducing the necrotic core of plaque, a feature of vulnerable plaque. The video suggests that exercise-induced stress on artery walls might lead to anti-atherogenic effects, though more research is needed to confirm these mechanisms and the long-term impact on heart events.
Key Points:
- Exercise can reduce plaque in heart disease patients, with a 5% reduction in total plaque burden observed.
- A 1% reduction in PAV can lead to a 20% decrease in heart attack and stroke risk.
- Both interval training and continuous cardio can reduce vulnerable plaque features.
- Exercise may induce beneficial changes in artery walls, though mechanisms are speculative.
- Consult a doctor before starting new exercise routines, especially with heart disease.