Physical Activity Promotion in Healthcare: Improving Heart Health

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality worldwide. This review examines the concept of physical activity and its role in heart health, the impact of its promotion on cardiovascular outcomes, the challenges healthcare workers face, and evidence-based strategies for encouraging active lifestyles among patients. Regular activity lowers blood pressure, improves lipid profiles, enhances cardiorespiratory fitness and mitigates obesity-related risk, while exercise-based rehabilitation carries Class 1A recommendations in heart failure. Despite positive professional attitudes, promotion remains inconsistent because of knowledge gaps, time pressure, unclear roles and weak institutional support. Multi-component interventions, brief interventions using the 5As model, motivational interviewing, individualised exercise prescription, digital tools and multidisciplinary, culturally sensitive, family- and community-based approaches show the most promise. Routine assessment and promotion of physical activity should be treated as a core clinical responsibility.