Exercising Regularly as a Natural Approach to Heart Disease

Exercise improves heart function, lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol (LDL), raises good cholesterol (HDL), and boosts energy. Many people think this means having to do a lot of strenuous exercise every day. This is a myth. A moderate exercise program will help keep your heart and blood vessels in shape and promote a lower blood pressure. The American Heart Association even classifies walking at a brisk pace for 30 to 60 minutes, three days a week, as "regular physical activity." Also, you don't have to fit all your physical activity into one exercise session. You can break it up into ten-minute sessions or whatever works best for you. Your healthcare provider can help you with come up with a good exercise plan to help in preventing heart disease.

 

 

Maintaining a Healthy Weight as a Natural Approach to Heart Disease

If you are overweight, losing weight can help you prevent heart disease. Carrying extra weight puts additional strain on your heart. Also, as people gain weight, their blood pressure and cholesterol tends to rise. Losing weight can make high blood pressure and cholesterol drop back down.

 

Your healthcare providers can help you select a diet and exercise program that's right for you and your weight-loss goals. To lose weight, a low-fat, low-cholesterol, and low-salt diet is usually recommended, along with an exercise program.