When you think of heart disease, you probably think of a blocked artery and possibly a heart attack. But did you know that heart disease can also manifest as hypertension, high LDL cholesterol,
triglycerides, or Type 2 diabetes? Fortunately, exercising and staying active can help prevent these conditions from developing in your body. Learn more about the benefits of exercise on your heart health and how physical activity can help prevent heart disease.
Physical Activity Helps Control Blood Pressure
Hypertension is when blood pressure is high, which can lead to organ damage if untreated. Blood pressure is measured by two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic is the amount of pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, while diastolic is the amount of pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest. Having high blood pressure can increase the risk of a stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, and even death. Many people with high blood pressure are not even aware of it because there are usually no symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. Exercise is a great way to lower blood pressure. The more you exercise, the lower your blood pressure will be in the long term. There are many different types of exercises that can help lower blood pressure, such as strength training, yoga, and aerobic exercises. The more you exercise, the better, but even small amounts of exercise can help.
Physical Activity Helps Manage Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an essential part of the human body, but too much cholesterol can harm your health and increase the risk of heart disease. There are two types of cholesterol in your blood: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is the “bad” kind of cholesterol, while HDL is the “good” kind of cholesterol. Too much LDL cholesterol in your blood can lead to plaques that clog up arteries and cause heart disease. Exercise can help reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. The more you exercise, the lower your LDL cholesterol will be in the long term. Exercises like strength training, hiking, basketball, and tennis can help lower your cholesterol.
Physical Activity Can Help Manage Diabetes
Exercising regularly can help prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes, which is a growing health concern in the Western world. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your body does not produce enough insulin or does not use the insulin it produces properly. Exercising regularly can help improve your insulin sensitivity, which means your body can use insulin more effectively. Regular exercise can also help you lose weight, which is a common issue in people with diabetes. Exercising even just a little bit can improve your insulin sensitivity and help you manage your diabetes. In fact, the more you exercise, the greater the benefits will be. Swimming, walking, and yoga are great types of exercise for people with diabetes.
Exercise to Help Prevent Stroke
Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked. Physical activity can help lower your risk of a stroke. The more you exercise, the better, but even small amounts can have a positive effect. Walking at a moderate pace is an excellent exercise for heart health. You can also try cycling, jogging, or any other aerobic exercise. Strong, coordinated muscles also help prevent falls, which is a leading cause of stroke in older adults.
Summary
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and physical activity can help prevent it. If you have high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes, exercising regularly can help lower your risk of developing heart disease. Exercising regularly can even help prevent strokes. In order to stay healthy and live a long life, it’s important to get regular exercise. Even a small amount of exercise can be beneficial. Keep these benefits in mind the next time you’re at the gym or planning an outdoor activity. And don't forget to stretch before exercising to prevent injury.
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