Which practice is commonly recommended across lipid, glucose, and blood pressure management for CAD risk reduction?

• A. Aerobic exercise
• B. High-sodium diet
• C. Smoking cessation is the only strategy needed
• D. Avoiding all physical activity

Answer: (A)

Regular aerobic exercise is commonly recommended because it improves all three major CAD risk factors together.

For lipids, aerobic activity tends to raise HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides, with modest effects on LDL. For glucose management, it enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by muscles, helping control blood sugar and reduce diabetes risk. For blood pressure, it lowers resting and ambulatory blood pressure and improves vascular function. Collectively, these changes translate into lower overall cardiovascular risk and better management of metabolic and hypertensive components.

Guidelines typically advocate regular moderate-intensity aerobic activity (with some vigorous options) several days a week, plus strength training to support long-term benefits. Other choices—like a high-sodium diet or avoiding activity—either worsen these factors or are clearly counterproductive, and smoking cessation, while crucial, is not the sole strategy addressing all three areas at once.