We’ve all heard it before: “exercise is good for your heart.” But have you ever stopped to wonder what specifically exercise does for the heart and what types of exercise are most beneficial to the heart? Here at Stockton Cardiology, it’s our top priority to ensure that everyone in our community is able to maintain their heart health, no matter their age. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to speak with our cardiologists or read on if you want to learn more about the benefits of exercise.
Lowering Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a huge risk factor for heart disease and many other heart conditions. Not to mention all the other adverse side-effects it has on the rest of the body such as blood clots, blocking blood flow, and weakening blood vessels in the brain. Regular exercise will help to ensure that your blood pressure remains low while resting and while exercising. The alternative is something like beta-blocker medication which can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, or blurred vision.
Managing Your Weight
Obesity is another major risk factory for heart disease, especially in the United States. According to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, nearly 2.6 million people die every year worldwide due to heart disease caused by obesity. The good news is that just 30 minutes of exercise every day can help you regulate your weight and significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Although most doctors recommend aerobic or cardio exercise for improving heart health, weight lifting and stretching can also be helpful.
Strengthening Your Muscles
You may be wondering, “What does my muscle strength have to do with my heart?” The bottom line is that strong muscles are more efficient, especially when it comes to drawing oxygen from the blood. In turn, your heart won’t have to work so hard to pump more blood through your body in order to maintain the health of the rest of your body. It’s a two-way road: a healthy heart means healthy muscles and healthy muscles means a healthy heart.
You should also note that the heart itself is a muscle that will be strengthened through exercise. As the heart becomes stronger, it will be able to pump blood throughout your body more easily and reduce the likelihood of clots and other issues.
Contact Stockton Cardiology Today
Here at Stockton Cardiology, we strongly encourage you to have a regular exercise routine, even if that means 20 minutes of light exercise each day. In many cases, exercise can be as or more effective than medication for preventing or curing heart conditions. However, if you are ever experiencing chest pain or have heart conditions in the past, get in touch with our cardiologists today. If you have any questions or you’re ready for a consultation, give us a call today.