Exercise Increases Heart Health

Exercise Increases Heart Health

Many studies have shown that regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (R).

One long-term study looked at the effects of regular exercise on men and women over the age of 73. It found that total exercise, exercise intensity, and leisure time intensity were all associated with lower risk of heart attack (R).

For women, the beneficial effects of exercise on the heart requires just 1 hour of walking per week (R).

Furthermore, the benefits of exercise extend to those who already have heart disease. Several studies have shown that exercise can reverse existing heart disease.

An energy expenditure of 1600 calories per week via exercise is necessary to effectively treat coronary artery disease. 2200 kcal per week is needed to treat heart disease (R, R1).

Low-intensity exercise (<45% of max intensity) improves the health of people with heart disease (R).

A very recent study confirmed that regular walking is the best form of physical activity for heart health (R).

Exercise improves heart health by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) (R, R1).

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