Physical Exercise as a Modulator of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Atherosclerotic Plaque

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and reduced quality of life worldwide. One of the main risks to the development of cardiovascular diseases is inflammatory diseases, which are related to oxidative stress, among them, atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis consists of a process of chronic inflammation, in which the accumulation of lipids occurs in the subendothelial space of the tunica intima of large caliber vessels. This is due to the accumulation of fibrous elements and inflammatory cells. Thus, regular physical exercise contributes to improving the body's immune defenses, while modulating inflammatory processes. In addition, physical activity is responsible for increasing the production of antioxidant enzymes, increasing the synthesis of nitric oxide, decreasing oxidative stress and decreasing systemic inflammation. Thus, physical exercise directly changes the genesis of atherosclerosis.