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Exercise for the Prevention of Heart Disease

By HERWriter
 
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If you are one of the millions of Americans with coronary artery disease, adopting an exercise program could help lower your risk factors. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease.

According to the American Heart Association, “Coronary artery disease is characterized by deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, calcium and other substances in the inner lining of arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.” The AHA also warns that, “Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke and is linked to cardiovascular mortality.”

While the statistics may seem ominous, there is a silver lining that gives you the power to control your risk factors. Studies show that regular physical activity can reduce your risk of fatal heart disease. “Regular aerobic physical activity increases your fitness level and capacity for exercise. It also plays a role in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, “says the AHA. And when you combine physical activity with other lifestyle measures, such as losing and maintaining a healthy weight, the greater the chance of warding off heart disease.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and stress all put a strain on your heart and play a role in heart disease. The AHA says that regular physical activity can help control blood lipid abnormalities, diabetes and obesity. The association cites aerobic physical activity as an effective way to help reduce blood pressure. Exercise, not only helps you control your weight, it also reduces your chances of developing the above compromising conditions.

Guidelines from the American Heart Association recommend that you get at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity at least five times a week. If you’re currently inactive however, you may want to consider breaking up your workout into 10-minute intervals to get started. Studies also showed an improvement for those who had already suffered a heart attack.

According to the AHA, “the results of pooled studies show that people who modify their behavior and start regular physical activity after heart attack have better rates of survival and better quality of life.” As always, it is important to consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. With proper training and monitoring, you will not only decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, you’ll improve all aspects of your life.

Look for more articles by me on how exercise can prevent specific diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and breast cancer.

Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her fiancé, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.

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HERWriter

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I too have family members and friends who have survived a heart attack due to being in tune with their bodies and knowing the signs. Immediate treatment, like the type you had, proved to be crucial in there survival. They too, as well as their loved ones are truly thankful for the immediate care they received. Did you do a cardiac rehab program following your heart attack?

September 26, 2009 - 9:55am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

In the cases of heart attack and cardiac arrest, or any other heart shocks, time sets to be the most crucial factor for the survival of the patient. Sometimes, a little knowledge regarding the immediate actions to be taken may help your near and dear ones to survive in such incidents. Keith Churchwell has extraordinarily explained the pros and cons while handling patient suffering immediate heart attack or cardiac arrest. The response a person takes to treat a victim decides the probability of his/her survival. Its been my personal experience fighting to survive against a heart attack. A quick recognization of your bodily responses may increase your chances of survival. Because of having many heart problems, I was enrolled in a concierge Healthcare program from elite health. I was attacked by a severe heart attack in a party, luckily surrounded by many people. Some of the sudden changes in my body was recognized by me and anticipated immediately. I got a very severe chest pain which was almost unbearable for more than a minute. I got the suspicion that I might be having heart attack, and immediately called my physician on the phone, and explained my condition and its severity. Because of the immediate guidance, I was directed immediately to have an aspirin which I used to carry with me as prescribed by my physician. It was quite a frightening experience for me to face such a heart attack, but somehow I managed to be calm until 911 arrived. I was immediately taken to the nearest hospital, where already my physician were present and have got everything setup according to my medical history. And it was in some matter of seconds that everything was in control. A doctor, who already have the complete knowledge of the medical history and fitness of the person, extra ordinarily ameliorate your recovery process. Hence such a concierge level program from Elite health, helped me a save my life, like many others.

September 10, 2009 - 10:57pm
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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