How Can Exercise Prevent A Heart Attack?

Learn how exercise can prevent a heart attack and start taking steps toward a healthier heart and body. Finding the time and motivation to exercise may be a challenge, but it's a challenge worth taking on. Regular exercise improves heart health, lung function, mood and energy levels. Exercise can prevent a heart attack due to its many effects throughout the body.

Strength

Exercise can prevent a heart attack partly due to its ability to increase strength when done consistently. The heart is a muscle and like any muscle, it needs to be worked out to maintain its strength and health. Regular exercise of just a half hour a day will help keep your heart strong and healthy.

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and heart attack. By committing to a regular exercise plan, you will lower your blood pressure and thus your risk of heart attack.

Blood Sugar

Blood sugar levels become better stabilized in those who exercise. Exercise improves your body's insulin use, making control of blood sugar easier. In this way, exercise can prevent a heart attack by directly affecting the body's ability to properly use the food you consume.

Stress Reduction

Exercise can prevent a heart attack by providing an outlet for daily stress. Exercise is a great way to cope with stress, improve mood and clear your mind. The end result is less stress, both physically and psychologically, which correlates to better heart health and lower risk of heart attack.

Weight

Losing weight can help you prevent a heart attack that may otherwise occur due to obesity, a major risk factor for all types of heart disease and conditions. Exercise burns calories while it is being performed, and even continues to burn additional calories for a period of time afterward. This means your body is burning more calories and so it is easier to lose weight. Additionally, exercising may provide the motivation some people need to say no to that dessert after lunch or that second helping at dinner. A loss of just 10 percent of body weight in an obese individual can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Exercise prevents a heart attack through several means and can add enjoyment and years to your life. Exercise should be fun and doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. To use exercise to prevent a heart attack, try adding a 30 minute walk to your days, perhaps in the evening after dinner. Have the family join in and get healthy together, knowing that you are building stronger, healthier bodies and hearts.

Reference:

Heart Health Factors