[Physical activity and cardiovascular disease].

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in western industrialized countries. Physical inactivity is known to be an important risk factor. The present publication gives an overview of studies with the topic physical activity and relative risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, aspects influencing the association between physical activity and cardiovascular disease, e.g., the duration and intensity of exercise, adults older than 60 years, late onset of physical activity, and body mass index, are discussed.