Cardiovascular deconditioning is a term used to describe a decrease in the functioning of the cardiovascular system due to lack of physical activity or exercise. The spelling of this word can be broken down into phonetic symbols using IPA transcription as /ˌkɑː.di.oʊˈvæskjuː.lər/ /diː.kənˈdɪʃ.ən.ɪŋ/. The word cardiovascular is pronounced with four syllables, while deconditioning has five syllables. The emphasis is placed on the third syllable in cardiovascular, and on the second syllable in deconditioning. Proper exercise can prevent cardiovascular deconditioning and maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
Cardiovascular deconditioning refers to the physiological deterioration and decline in cardiovascular fitness and function that occurs as a result of a decrease or cessation of regular physical activity or exercise. It is characterized by a reduction in the body's ability to efficiently deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and tissues through the circulatory system.
When a person leads a sedentary lifestyle or becomes inactive for an extended period, such as due to illness, injury, or prolonged bed rest, their cardiovascular system adapts to the decreased demand for oxygen and energy. The heart muscles weaken, blood volume decreases, blood vessels may constrict, and overall cardiovascular efficiency declines. As a consequence, the individual experiences a reduction in aerobic capacity, diminished endurance, increased fatigue, and a heightened susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases.
The effects of cardiovascular deconditioning can be seen at various levels, from molecular and cellular changes to systemic ones. At the cellular level, decreased capillary density and impaired oxygen uptake by muscles are observed. Systemically, this deconditioning leads to reduced heart rate variability, increased resting heart rate, elevated blood pressure, decreased cardiac output, and poor blood glucose regulation.
To counteract and prevent cardiovascular deconditioning, regular exercise and physical activity, particularly aerobic activities such as running, swimming, or cycling, are recommended. These activities help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, improve endurance, strengthen the heart muscles, increase blood volume, promote efficient oxygen delivery, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The word "cardiovascular deconditioning" is formed by combining several Greek and Latin roots:
1. Cardio-: Derived from the Greek root "kardia", meaning "heart".
2. Vascular: Derived from the Latin root "vasculum", meaning "vessel" or "duct".
3. De-: A prefix derived from the Latin root "de", meaning "reverse" or "undo".
4. Conditioning: Derived from the Latin root "conditio", meaning "training" or "preparation".
When these roots are combined, "cardiovascular deconditioning" refers to the process of reversing or undoing the physical training or preparation of the heart and blood vessels, typically as a result of reduced or inhibited physical activity.