Heart disease is a condition in which your heart does not perform normally, due in part to the blockage of blood vessels. The Mayo Clinic reports heart disease is the number one cause of death in the world, with 40 percent of Americans dying of the condition every year. Although certain genetic diseases might put you at a higher risk of developing heart disease, lifestyle changes generally help prevent heart ailments. Regular cardiovascular exercise is one of the ways you can prevent heart disease.
Risks
Heart disease is caused by a number of things, most of which are attributed to the Western lifestyle of an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. Smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol and stress also contribute to heart disease. The Mayo Clinic reports that men are more likely to get heart disease, although women are at a greater risk after menopause. Heredity also increases your risk of heart-related illness. A genetic predisposition to heart disease coupled with a sedentary lifestyle puts you at an even greater risk.
Function
Regular cardio exercises work your heart and improve its performance. The heart, like any other muscle in the body, requires constant conditioning to ensure that it functions properly. The American Heart Association explains that exercise decreases blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and increases HDL cholesterol levels. All factors affect the way your arteries move and how blood is pumped from the heart. Constriction of the blood vessels due to an arterial wall build-up prevents the heart from working properly.
Effects
Exercise immediately improves your mood, reducing anxiety and stress. Fitness can also help make you other heart-friendly lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking and eating better. Overtime, exercise can lead to weight loss and eventually weight maintenance once you hit your target weight goal. The American Heart Association reports that obesity increases your risk of developing heart disease.
Getting Started
Fitness is something that you build gradually. So, if your lifestyle is mostly sedentary, it can actually be harmful if you start with too vigorous of a workout. Start off by walking a little bit each day and increase the time, length and intensity. The American Heart Association explains that you will reap the most heart-friendly benefits if you exercise at a moderate level for a total of 30 minutes a day. If you are new to exercise, the Association recommends that you plan out a fitness routine with a doctor first.
Considerations
Do not refrain from exercise if you have heart disease or have had a heart attack, unless your doctor advises otherwise. According to Medical News Today, exercise can help prevent patients from having a second heart attack. The News website explains that cardio helps improve symptoms in heart disease and can even increase your survival rate. Still, exercise will not help much if you do not eat a healthy diet as well. The Mayo Clinic suggests a regular diet that is low in salt, cholesterol and fat.
