Your heart is one of the most important organs in the human body. It is the main force of the cardiovascular systems and must be in good condition to sustain life. This fist-sized organ has a huge role when it comes to significant bodily functions ranging from supporting the immune system to transporting oxygen throughout the body. Still, there are a lot of things that can contribute to the decline of heart health, including foods we eat and activity we engage in. People interested in keeping their heart healthy can benefit from three simple exercises to boost cardiovascular strength.
Several things that can be tracked and used to determine the condition of the heart. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and circulation are among the most important. Pressure refers to one part of heart health. This should be checked on a regular basis and regulated when necessary. When it is too high the condition is known as hypertension. This can affect many parts of the body, including weight. Excess fat in the body makes it more difficult for it to pump blood throughout. If the organ has to work harder, arteries are faced with more pressure, which can increase blood vessel damage.
Cholesterol is also worth tracking. This has a significant role in health. When properly regulated, it decreases the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart diseases. There are good cholesterol or HDL and bad cholesterol or LDL. When the LDL is high, it builds in the bloodstream and becomes hard plaque that blocks blood circulation. Cardiovascular damage is therefore increased.
Taking control of heart health also means improving circulation. Proper circulation is essential when it comes to transporting nutrients and oxygen through the cells of the body. Without this circulation, the tissues will start to die. Dead tissue means amputations or possible death, depending on which tissues are affected. High blood pressure, heart disease and cholesterol plaque may all impact the ability to transport blood within the body.
Small changes can improve heart health. Work closely with heart specialists to get clearance for certain changes. When it comes to strengthening this organ, there are three things which can be focused on: diet, exercise and activity and lifestyle.
People are encouraged to engage in at least 75-150 minutes of aerobic exercise every week, which may range from moderate to vigorous. This may be divided up in different ways, based on the needs of the individual. Any form of exercise that increases the heart or respiratory rate are beneficial. These will challenge the organ to work harder and stronger.
Numerous physical exercises can be done for people looking to improve their heart health. Staying consistent is important when it comes to these efforts. An activity that people young and old can do to boost the strength of this organ is swimming.
The pool is a great place to get a full-body workout and challenge. Some might have enough stamina to swim laps. Those who are unable to swim or do not have the ability to engage in swimming can still benefit from this practice. There are numerous water fitness or aerobics classes available through gyms and fitness facilities. This can also be done in private pools that people have at their home. The water offers multi-directional resistance that can improve strength in the muscles, including the heart. It can also provide toning. It is also a safe solution for people who have joint issues and struggle with running or walking as exercise.
Others might prefer to get in their cardio workouts through running or brisk walking. These two can be done together. For instance, a person may spend half a workout walking and the other half doing a jog. This is also a great way to get outside and enjoy fresh air and the sun, during good weather. When the weather is less than favorable, many gyms and similar facilities have treadmills for walking or running. Humans were born to walk. This is a great way to improve fitness and people can adjust their exercise based on how they are feeling. Running can help burn more calories and further reduce the risk of heart disease.
Cycling is another easy exercise. It is easy on the joints and considered a low-impact activity. This can be done at the gym in a spin class or outside on roads or trails. People can also use their bike as a mode of transportation, which also improves the amount of exercise they get in daily. While the heart pumps, people will also be able to build strength and tone the core muscles and lower body.