Heart failure: Activity and exercise
Why do I need a regular exercise program?
Exercising 3 or 4 times a week consistently is important because it takes only a short period without activity to weaken your muscles and your cardiovascular system.
Regular exercise also helps reduce:
- Chest pain (angina) and symptoms of heart failure.
- Cholesterol, especially when combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, not smoking, and reducing stress.
- Blood pressure. When combined with other lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet and learning to handle stress, regular exercise can decrease your risk for coronary artery disease.
- Your weight, or it can help control your weight, which can decrease your risk for coronary artery disease and diabetes.
- Blood sugar levels, which can lower your risk for diabetes.
- Stress. It also helps lift your mood and decreases depression and anxiety.
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| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: September 1, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology | |
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