Exercise: A Powerful Weapon Against Heart Disease
New research underscores the vital role of exercise in preventing and managing heart disease. Regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and related deaths, making it a powerful tool in combating this leading cause of mortality.
Heart attack patients who engage in formal exercise programs can decrease their death rate by a substantial 20-25%. Exercise stimulates the release of nitric oxide, which keeps blood vessels open and helps control blood pressure. Regular brisk walks can raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of coronary events by over 50%.
Inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease, contributing to around 250,000 deaths per year in the U.S. Physical activity reduces the risk of coronary artery disease by up to 50% compared to a sedentary lifestyle. Regular exercise keeps arteries and blood vessels flexible, ensuring good blood flow and normal blood pressure. Studies recommend moderate endurance activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and jogging, ideally performed three times a week for about 30 minutes each session at a heart rate of about 120–130 bpm, which corresponds to moderate intensity; light strength training is also advisable especially for older patients to stabilize the musculoskeletal system.
Exercising 150 minutes per week at a moderate intensity can lower the risk of coronary heart disease by 14%. Sedentary people have a 35% greater risk of developing high blood pressure than physically active people. Men who spend more than 23 hours a week being sedentary have a 64% greater risk of dying from heart disease than those who spend less than 11 hours. Regular exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improving its efficiency and reducing strain. Incorporating physical activity into daily life can significantly improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
