Your heart plays a crucial function. It pumps to keep blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients, circulating throughout the body. If the heart is impaired in any way, it could lead to complications, some of which are fatal. If the heart must work harder to pump blood, the muscle will eventually weaken. Lifestyle factors that cause cholesterol deposits to build up in your arteries are a common cause of this problem.
The risk for most cardiovascular diseases is increased by lifestyle factors. One of the best changes you can make for heart health is exercise. Let us talk about why exercise is important for the heart.
Exercising for Better Heart Health
Regular physical activity helps keep your heart strong and healthy.
Exercise Improves Blood Flow and Strengthens the Heart Muscles
Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, including the flow of blood to the heart itself. This improved circulation helps to reduce strain on the cardiovascular system by providing oxygen-rich blood more efficiently and quickly than when at rest. Additionally, regular physical activity strengthens your heart muscles, so they can pump more effectively with each beat and circulate blood more efficiently throughout the body.
Exercise Lowers Blood Pressure and Bad Cholesterol Levels
Exercise has been shown to help lower both systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number) blood pressure readings in people with hypertension or prehypertension. This reduction in pressure reduces stress on arteries and veins, while improving overall circulation and reducing strain on other organs like the kidneys, which rely heavily on healthy circulation for proper functioning.
Additionally, regular exercise also helps reduce bad cholesterol levels, which as mentioned earlier, is a leading cause of heart disease. Lower cholesterol levels reduce the risk of atherosclerosis or plaque buildup within artery walls, which can lead to stroke or cardiac arrest.
Exercise Lowers Stress Levels
Exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be major contributors to heart disease. For one, physical activity releases endorphins that help you feel better emotionally and mentally, while also reducing the production of cortisol or the stress hormone. Additionally, the state of relaxation exercise provides helps you sleep easier and better at night, which also plays a big part in how well you manage stress levels the next day. This improved restorative process further reduces strain on the organs, including the heart.
There are way too many positive effects of exercise – it not only benefits heart health but overall health, too. You cannot be healthy overall if you do not exercise regularly. Remember to consult a professional before starting any exercise program.
Board-Certified Cardiologists in Boca Raton, FL
If you are concerned about your heart or suspect that you have heart disease, consult our board-certified interventional cardiologists at Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute. We put an emphasis on preventive cardiology, which helps patients lower their risk for heart disease. Our cardiologists are committed to bettering your heart health and look forward to being your partner in achieving better heart health.
To schedule an appointment with one of our heart doctors, call our office today at (561) 235-5621 or use our convenient online request form.
