In 2006, more than 81 million Americans had some form of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Heart disease led to more than 34 percent of all deaths that year. Maintaining lean muscle mass with consistent exercise and a healthy diet can help to decrease your risk of dying from heart disease.
Types
Heart disease is a term used to describe a variety of heart-related conditions. The most common form of heart disease is coronary heart disease, caused by atherosclerosis, which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries of your heart from fat, cholesterol and other substances. This build-up generally occurs silently over time. When plaque builds up so severely that the artery becomes blocked, the heart can stop, resulting in a heart attack.
Risk Factors
Obesity is considered to be a major risk factor for heart disease. Inactivity and poor diet can contribute to weight gain, which can lead to obesity. Inactivity also leads to a loss of muscle mass due to a lack of strength training. During strength training, your body uses fat instead of muscle for energy. Exercise increases lean muscle mass, which can decrease the risk of heart disease.
Muscle Atrophy
Congestive heart failure, another form of heart disease, can lead to a condition called muscle atrophy. Generally, this condition is caused by not using the muscle enough. This condition can lead to significant fatigue and weakness and is generally associated with a poor outcome from the disease process. Despite increasing activity or improving nutrition, the condition is not likely to improve, and decline from the condition is irreversible.
Treatment
Treatment for heart disease varies based on the type of heart disease and the severity of the problem. Many doctors will often recommend lifestyle changes as the first treatment option, such as increasing exercise to 30 minutes per day most days of the week to help build lean muscle mass. You may also be asked to reduce the fat and sodium in your diet and limit alcohol. Medications are available, and surgery may be required. Your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment plan, and it is important to get approval before beginning any new exercise regimen.
