Although asthma is a disease of the airways, research is now showing that asthmatics are more
likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to non-asthmatics. Vascular
dysfunction is seen in people at high risk of CVD and has been linked to inflammation. During
an asthma attack, levels of inflammation in the whole body increase, which could potentially
explain why asthmatics are at increased risk of CVD. By exercising, people can change the
amount of inflammation in their bodies, improve vascular function, and thereby reduce the
risk of CVD. In the proposed study the investigators will assess if asthma attacks lead to
increased risk of CVD by evaluating inflammatory levels and vascular function before and
after asthma attacks. The investigators will also evaluate if exercise reduces the
cardiovascular risk following asthma attacks. The results from this study will help in
understanding why asthmatics are at increased risk of CVD.