The concept that regular exercise is cardioprotective and that physical inactivity is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases is supported by a great quantity of epidemiological evidence. Moreover, convincing proof is provided in support of the notion that exercise capacity is a strong predictor of risk of death from any cause in both healthy subjects and those with cardiovascular diseases.

However, the exact mechanisms by which regular exercise confers cardioprotection are still incompletely understood. Exercise probably acts at various levels in the cardiovascular apparatus, by modifying genes expression, molecules production, whole organs functions, and the integration and regulation of each of these functions.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that seek to better characterise the effects of physical exercise on cardiovascular functions. We are particularly interested in articles describing the effects of exercise at molecular and cellular level as well as in research dealing with the effects of regular training on heart and vessels functions. Papers on the effect of exercise on hemodynamic regulation are also of interest.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Anti-inflammatory properties of exercise
• Animal models of cardiovascular regulation during exercise in health and disease
• Recent developments in the adaptations induced by exercise at cardiac, vascular, muscle, and autonomic nervous system level
• Advance in the physiopathology of cardiovascular regulation during exercise
• New insight into the circulatory dysregulation during exercise in pathologies such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome
• Clinical evidence and future perspectives in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases by means of exercise
• Modified exercise programs in cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, congenital heart disease, postmyocardial infarction, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome
• The influence of sedentary and active lifestyle on the cardiovascular apparatus
• Exercise testing and decision making in cardiovascular diseases
• Imaging technique to detect the effects of exercise training
• The influence of exercise in triggering cardiovascular events
• Effects of exercise on atherosclerosis