While most people are at least vaguely aware of the relationship between exercise and heart health, the correlation is more impressive than you might think. In this blog, our team at Heartwell Cardiology explores the significant benefits of regular exercise on cardiovascular well-being, as well as the Physical Activity Guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Less Than Half of Americans Get Adequate Exercise
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than half of US adults meet the Physical Activity Guidelines, which recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week in addition to 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise and two strength training sessions. Moderate-intensity activities can include walking or bike riding, while high-intensity activities can include running, aerobics, or swimming.
How Does Exercise Impact Heart Health?
Exercise provides a wide range of advantages, including boosting confidence, sculpting the physique, and strengthening and toning the muscles. However, it also has remarkable benefits for cardiovascular health and longevity. Regular exercise can help the heart pump blood through the body more efficiently. It also does the following:
- Lowers blood pressure – When the heart is in good form, it pushes out the right amount of blood with each pulse, maximizing efficiency. This puts less stress on the heart and the arteries, lowering blood pressure. If you currently suffer from hypertension, increasing your weekly exercise can help to reduce symptoms. If you don’t have high blood pressure, sticking to a regular exercise regimen can prevent health problems from arising in the future as you continue to age.
- Lowers cholesterol – Certain types of exercise like walking, running, swimming, and cycling can help lower a person’s LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – also known as the “bad” cholesterol – by as much as 10%. These activities have also been shown to raise the “good” cholesterol, or HDL (high-density lipoprotein.)
- Lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke – Regular and adequate exercise can reduce the likelihood of coronary heart disease by up to 29% for women and 21% for men, according to recent studies cited in the National Library of Medicine. The risk of stroke can be lowered by as much as 20% in physically active people. Engaging in a combination of moderate and high-intensity exercise also improves blood sugar stability, reducing the risk of prediabetes and type II diabetes.
- Enhances blood flow – Regular cardio can improve blood flow and circulation, which can in turn lower the risk of heart attacks and fatty blockages. Additionally, exercise can increase blood flow to the brain, preventing or slowing down the onset of dementia and memory loss in older individuals, according to the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Decreases stress – One of the most important ways that exercise improves your overall health is by lowering stress levels. The American Heart Association equates a healthy exercise regimen with better weight management, better nutritional choices, and a better mood.
- Lowers the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AFib) – AFib is a common problem connected to the heart’s rhythm. Left unchecked, it can increase the risk of stroke due to blood clotting. Researchers at the American Medical Association have reported that regular exercise can lower the rate and severity of AFib when combined with a healthy diet and weight loss program. In fact, studies have shown that high-intensity interval training can cut the incidence of AFib by 50%.
What Is the Takeaway?
Whether you struggle with health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, or you simply wish to prevent health problems from arising in the future and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, maintaining a regular exercise regimen can be invaluable. An exercise plan that includes moderate-intensity activities, high-intensity cardio, and strength training sessions can maximize your well-being, longevity, and peace of mind.
Before beginning any new exercise plan, however, make sure to speak with your physician, who can modify and customize your approach. Working with a qualified healthcare professional can also allow you to establish benchmarks so you can better track your progress and success.
Want to Learn More About Establishing Healthy Heart Habits? Contact Us Today at Heartwell Cardiology
At Heartwell Cardiology in Orlando, our team focuses on customized solutions tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. Patients enjoy concierge care in a state-of-the-art practice setting, with access to today’s most advanced technologies and treatments. While heart conditions and problems can be overwhelming, our team is here to alleviate stress and anxiety, providing you with the compassion and insight you need to achieve optimal quality of life. Call today to schedule a private consultation.
