top of page
farheen80

What is the connection between Physical Activity & Heart Health?

Physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity helps to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, and can also help to improve mental health and well-being. The connection between physical activity and heart health is well established. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can help to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, reduce high blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. Regular physical activity also helps to reduce stress levels, increase energy levels, and improve sleep.



This article will discuss the connection between physical activity and heart health, as well as the importance of engaging in regular physical activity for overall health and well-being.


The primary global cause of disease and mortality is cardiovascular health. Increased sedentary lifestyles, which are characterised by little physical activity and are a major factor in cardiovascular health, are to blame for the development of cardiovascular disease.


On the other hand, regular exercise has a remarkable ability to enhance general health and is among the best things you can do to strengthen and increase the effectiveness of your heart. People who are physically active typically experience changes in their bodies, such as reduced blood pressure, increased insulin sensitivity, and more cholesterol levels. Several long term studies have shown that increased physical activity is strongly linked to a decline in the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, according to a number of long-term studies. It also strengthens muscles, which has a positive impact on the heart and promotes a healthy life and heart.


Lipid composition

Getting active can be the key to unlocking healthier lipid composition. Through physical activity, you can better manage factors associated with heart health, such as reducing LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol. Depending on the type, duration, and intensity of your workouts, you can reduce inflammation and avoid fat build-up - both of which help prevent plaque from forming, bolster HDL levels, and improve blood flow to the heart.



Blood pressure

It's no secret that physical activity and heart health have a close relationship. Aerobic exercise, which utilises the major muscles of the arms, shoulders, and legs, increases the muscles' capacity to take in oxygen from the blood. This can result in the heart being able to more effectively pump blood with every beat, while reducing the strain on the heart. It can also temporarily enhance the force of circulating blood, thereby raising arterial pressure. Consequently, raising arterial pressure in one cardiac cycle. The heart is able to pump blood more efficiently with each beating when exercise is added as a behavioural intervention along with dietary adjustment, weight loss, and other lifestyle modifications that have a significant impact on cardiovascular health.



How often should you exercise?

To ensure cardiovascular fitness, it's ideal to include 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise in your weekly routine. Start by doing 15-20 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration each week. With the right lifestyle modifications, such as dietary adjustments and weight loss, exercise can help to bring about positive effects on the heart and aids in preventing and managing heart disease. Aerobic exercises that are good for your heart include walking, running, and swimming.


There are some of the best exercises for heart health listed below:-

It's important to know what sorts of exercise are good for our heart health before you start exercising.

1. Aerobic activity:- Exercise such as jogging, running, or cycling is one of the best ways to maintain lung and heart health.

2. Stretching:- After the aerobic activity, stretching improves flexibility while also being good for the heart.


3. Strength training:- Strength training can be done a couple of times a week using weights or resistance bands.Strength training including repeated contraction of muscles until it becomes tired


4. Walking:- Walking is believed to be one of the simple and effective exercises for heart health. It is an enjoyable, safe, simple, and affordable form of exercise. You can fit in some walking into your busy schedule. There is no need to set aside extra time for walking. You can do this while commuting to work, shopping, or just walking about your neighbourhood.


5. Cycling:- Cycling is the most basic and convenient activity. Including the pumping of large muscles of the legs. One of the best and most effective exercises for improving heart health.


6. Swimming:- Aerobic exercise benefits are delivered by swimming, all the heart health benefits needed can be obtained by swimming for at least two and a half hours per week. Swimming puts less pressure on your bones and joints. It not only provides heart health but is also beneficial for arthritis patients.



So are you ready to get your heart rate up? Here are some top tips to get you started on your journey to a healthier you:-

1. Get to know the exercises that are best for you. It is best to stick with something that you enjoy, fits into your lifestyle, and is appropriate for your fitness level and goals.

2. If you haven’t been exercising regularly, start off slowly and gradually increase the intensity as you work your way up.

4. Adapt your exercise to your age group and find out how much exercise is ideal for you.

5. To make sure you’re getting the most out of your exercises, evaluate how effective your routine is.

6. Keep up a steady rate of exercise and be consistent.

7. Eat your meals one and a half hours before beginning your workout.

References



Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page