RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN ADULTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

The systematic review, developed under the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, analyzed 50 studies published between 2021 and 2025 on the relationship between physical exercise and the prevention of cardiovascular disease in adults. A search of international databases initially identified 612 articles, of which 50 were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings confirm that regular physical exercise, in its different forms, produces significant benefits on cardiovascular risk factors. A dose-response relationship was also evident: the higher the level of activity, the greater the reduction in risk; however, even low levels offer protective effects. Combining exercise with nutritional strategies and hybrid rehabilitation programs amplifies the benefits. In conclusion, physical exercise is an effective and accessible intervention for reducing the overall burden of cardiovascular disease in the adult population.