Cardiovascular diseases include conditions such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, heart attacks, angina, high blood pressure and stroke, says the American Heart Association. Since inactivity and obesity are common risk factors for heart disease, integrating exercise into your daily routine can reduce your risk of developing and dying from heart diseases.
Heart Disease Statistics
In 2006, more than 630,000 people died from heart disease in the U.S., reports the Centers for Disease Control. It was the cause of death for more than 1/4 of people who died that year and is the leading cause of death for both men and women. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease. The good news, says the American Heart Association, is that cardiovascular disease-related deaths declined nearly 30 percent from 1996 to 2006.
Exercise Facts
Only about 1/3 of adults regularly work out, says the Centers for Disease Control. Everyone should exercise at a moderate level for 2 1/2 hours per week, or 1/2 hour per day, five days per week. If you can talk while exercising but can't sing, you can consider the activity moderate. If you find it hard to speak more than a few words while exercising, you are most likely exercising at a vigorous level and only require 1 1/4 hours weekly, or 15 minutes daily.
Benefits
Regular exercise can prevent or improve high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. It can also help you to lose weight and avoid obesity, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Exercise has other benefits, too. It can help you reduce stress, allow you to sleep better, boost your energy level and give you a social outlet if you do it with other people.
Recommendations
If you find it hard to stick to an exercise program, try to find a partner to work out with; this may help you stay motivated. Find an activity that you enjoy and that you find easy to work into your day. For example, if your knees cannot tolerate jogging, consider swimming. On the other hand, if you know you will not want to drive to the pool every day, you may be better off working out at home or in your neighborhood. Finally, try not to get discouraged if you do not notice the benefits of exercise right away. It takes time to lose weight and tone your muscles, but your heart and health will be reaping the benefits.
References
- Centers for Disease Control: Heart Disease Facts
- American Heart Association: Cardiovascular Disease Statistics
- Centers for Disease Control: Exercise or Physical Activity
- Mayoclinic.com: Exercise -- 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
- FamilyDoctor.org: The Exercise Habit
- Healthfinder.gov: Physical Activity is Important to Good Health
