Living a physically active lifestyle is a key component in maintaining heart health. As the heart is a muscle, it needs regular exercise to stay strong and healthy.
Cardiovascular physician Dr. Majed Chane and our team at CA Heart and Vein Specialists in Huntington Beach, California, understand that everyone has a unique journey in achieving optimal heart health, and we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way.
Dr. Chane strives to provide advice and support as you integrate beneficial exercise habits into your daily routine for a stronger, healthier heart.
Exercise is crucial for heart health, and understanding how it benefits your heart is the first step in incorporating a healthy routine into your life.
Regular physical activity helps reduce your risk of heart disease by controlling weight, reducing blood pressure, and improving circulation. It also helps your body produce more HDL or "good" cholesterol, combating plaque build-up in the arteries.
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. However, certain types of exercises have proven benefits for heart health.
Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling are fantastic for cardiovascular health. This type of exercise gets your heart pumping, improves oxygen circulation, and can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate over time.
To reap the benefits of exercise for heart health, set aside at least 150 minutes a week for aerobic activity. Divided evenly throughout the week, that’s about 30 minutes a day for five days each week. You can even split that up into two 15-minute sessions each day. Do what works for you.
While strength training might not seem like a heart-focused exercise, it's an essential part of a balanced workout routine. By building stronger muscles, you're enabling your body to burn calories more efficiently. Starting off with two days per week of strength training exercises is a good goal.
Activities like yoga and tai chi might not raise your heart rate significantly, but they're vital for maintaining balance and flexibility, which is important as you age. Adding these activities a few times a week can lead to improved overall health.
The team at CA Heart and Vein Specialists recommends starting slowly if you're new to exercise. Begin with a few minutes of physical activity a day, gradually increasing as your endurance improves.
Always listen to your body. If an exercise causes pain or severe discomfort, stop immediately and seek medical advice if necessary. Remember that it's not about perfection; it's about progress and consistency.
A heart health check is the best place to start when it comes to prioritizing your heart. This comprehensive exam is designed to evaluate your risk for heart disease.
It involves a detailed assessment of medical history, a physical examination to measure vital signs and identify issues like hypertension. Other components include blood tests to assess cholesterol and glucose levels, and an electrocardiogram to detect any irregularities in heart rhythm.
Dr. Chane may conduct additional tests, such as stress tests or echocardiograms, based on your individual risk factors. The results help him provide personalized recommendations for maintaining or improving heart health, such as lifestyle modifications, medication, and regular follow-up visits.
By getting a heart health check, you can proactively manage your heart health and reduce the risk of heart-related problems.
The CA Heart and Vein Specialists team is dedicated to helping you take charge of your heart health. Regular exercise is one component of a heart-healthy lifestyle, and you can take the next step by scheduling a heart check. Call 657-206-8491 or request an appointment online today.
