Health Question: How does exercise benefit the heart?

Health Question: How does exercise benefit the heart?

Answer: Physical activity and exercise reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in several ways. Some of these mechanisms work to prevent "acute" disease, such as heart attacks or strokes. Other mechanisms work to reduce the risk of "chronic" disease, such as atherosclerosis, angina, and peripheral artery disease, which contribute to the occurrence of acute events. Although the health benefits of physical activity begin with step one, it will take about six months of regular physical activity to realize the full benefits.

Perhaps the most significant benefit of a physically active life is reduced overall strain on the heart during any activity. Chest pain and heart attacks usually occur when the heart's demand for oxygen can't be supplied because arteries going to the heart have been narrowed or even blocked by plaque, or when blood clots form where plaque occurs. Through regular activity, however, you can reduce the overall demand on the heart in any given activity; then, even if your arteries have been clogged by years of bad habits, you're still less likely to experience chest pain or heart attack.




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