Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, yet much of it is preventable through everyday lifestyle choices. This project examines how various forms of exercise, particularly aerobic training and VO₂ max improvement, benefit the heart, reduce disease risk, and prolong lifespan. Through analyzing scientific studies, comparing training methods, and evaluating the role of VO₂ max, I learned how exercise functions as one of the most powerful forms of preventive medicine. 

Current research indicates that consistent aerobic training, particularly Zone 2 and VO₂-max-focused workouts, can add approximately four to five years of life compared to a sedentary lifestyle. Studies also show that even small improvements in VO₂ max translate into measurable gains in lifespan, with each unit increase adding roughly 45 days on average. People with the highest cardiorespiratory fitness levels consistently have the lowest long-term mortality rates across all major studies.