02
February
2012
|
13:11 PM
America/Los_Angeles

Faculty Expert on Exercise and Heart Health Available

February is American Hearth Month and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with one in three deaths resulting from heart disease or stroke. Fortunately, many forms of cardiovascular disease are preventable by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly.  A California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) expert who can comment on heart health is Dr. Todd A. Astorino, professor of kinesiology.Dr. Astorino is currently investigating the effects of high-intensity interval training on heart function in women. Over a 12-week period, individuals in his study are participating in three weekly 6 to 10 minute exercise routines on a stationary bicycle in a Kinesiology lab at Cal State San Marcos. Each week, the intensity of the training increases.In just three weeks, Dr. Astorino has already noted dramatic improvements in cardiovascular fitness as represented by improved maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), which is inversely related to mortality as well as metabolic health in the form of improved fat utilization. The results of his study may challenge the current physical activity recommendation to reduce health risks, lowering the suggested amount of time for individuals to exercise from a minimum of 20-30 minutes a day, five days a week to a minimum of 10 minutes of vigorous exercise a day, three days a week.   His other research interests include:• The effects of caffeine intake on short-term, high-intensity exercise performance• Preventing bone loss in persons with spinal cord injury through multimodal exercise• Verifying VO2max attainment• The effect of High-intensity training on Cardiovascular Function and Metabolic HealthTo interview Dr. Todd Astorino, contact Margaret Lutz-Chantung at 760-750-4011.About California State University San MarcosCalifornia State University San Marcos combines the ambiance of a mid-sized, personal, modern campus with the unequaled value of the California State University. Since its founding in 1989, the campus has distinguished itself. Students benefit from the latest facilities and equipment, a superb faculty that enjoys teaching, and a rigorous academic program that prepares students for a successful life in and out of the workplace. A recent survey reported that the University’s annual spending in the region was $161 million, generating a total impact of $307 million on the regional economy. 85 percent of CSUSM’s alumni stay in the region. CSU San Marcos is located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the city of San Marcos. It is fifteen miles east of the ocean; just thirty miles north of downtown San Diego.