Cardiovascular Health and Exercise: What To Know

Did you know that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in America? One of the best ways to keep your heart strong is to incorporate cardiovascular health exercise into your life. While most people know that staying active improves their overall well-being and can build muscle, they don’t know that you can strengthen your heart muscle as well.

This guide will explore cardiovascular health and exercise, so you can feel informed about the positive difference it makes and how to start making it part of your routine.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.

Why Is Heart Disease on the Rise?

Cardiovascular diseases include both heart disease and stroke, two of the top killers of men and women in the United States. That’s why knowing how to treat and prevent these issues should be a top priority.

To understand how to improve cardiovascular health, you’ll need to know what can damage it. The good news is that heat-related deaths have declined by 12% from 2003 to 2013. The bad news is that heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death in America.

There are certain lifestyle behaviors that are the biggest cause of liability and death in the United States. These factors include a poor diet, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.

Additionally, certain medical conditions also play a major role in cardiovascular health. High cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure have led to a rise in heart disease.

Although there is medical help available, like different pad treatment options, you can get a head start with improving lifestyle choices.

Knowing how to treat and prevent heart conditions while making healthier lifestyle choices is a great way to feel better and live longer. Cardiovascular exercise plays a large role in this.

Best Exercises to Strengthen Your Heart

If you’re new to exercising but interested in all of the positive changes that come from it, it’s important to know where to start.

The reality is that the activity itself doesn’t matter, the best exercises to strengthen your heart are the ones you enjoy doing that keep you moving. You’ll want to exercise a minimum of four to five days a week and vary the intensity and types of exercises you do on different days. By switching things up, you’ll work different parts of your body and lower your risk of injuries.

Start with going for a walk or run. It’s okay to take breaks. Once you feel like you’re getting your heart used to physical activity, you can try new exercises.

Swimming, dancing, jump rope, recreational sports, all of these boost your heart health. The goal is to move your body. The more you enjoy an activity, the more likely you’re able to keep up the good habit.

Benefits of Exercising

One of the best gifts you can give yourself is good health and, in addition to a nutritious diet, physical activity is the way to go.

When you exercise, your heart rate and blood pressure increase to deliver blood to your exercising muscles. Blood vessels respond by enlarging to supply blood flow to those muscles. Over time, your heart gets accustomed to this new training and the baseline heart rate slows down.

Lower heart rate and blood pressure enable you to exercise longer because your heart is getting stronger. In addition to improving your physical abilities, there are several other benefits you should know about.

Helps Control Weight

One of the biggest reasons that people exercise is to help maintain weight loss or lose weight. Engaging in physical activity results in burning calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you’ll burn.

You can sign up for your local gym or make some space in your home dedicated to moving around, the important thing is to exercise at least four or five times a week.

Improves Mood

If the physical benefits of exercise weren’t enough, you’ll also notice positive changes to your mental health. Physical activity helps release endorphins which leave you feeling more relaxed, happier, and less anxious. If you need to relax after a long day or are feeling the blues, go for a run and see how you feel afterward.

Another benefit is that you’ll notice your appearance improve when you exercise regularly. This is a big boost of confidence that is sure to keep you smiling.

Better Sleep

Exercising improves sleep for many people.

How many times have you laid awake at night, tossing and turning, waiting to get some shut-eye? It’s more common than you think. Moderate to vigorous exercise helps increase the sleep quality for adults by reducing the amount of time to fall asleep.

If you’ve been trying to reduce your need for sleep medications, physical activity can help you get better sleep than you’ve ever had.

These benefits are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all of the positive changes that exercise brings.

Know More About Cardiovascular Health Exercise

No matter what your age is or how little you know about fitness, there’s always a way to become more active. Knowing more about cardiovascular health exercise and all of its benefits can transform your heart health for the better. Anything is better than nothing, even a daily walk around the neighborhood helps.

Combining exercise with heart-healthy foods is the fastest way to improve cardiovascular health. Your heart will feel stronger than ever and you’re sure to feel amazing as well.

Looking for more articles like this? Be sure to check out the Health section of our blog!