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Exercise and the Risk of Coronary Artery Disease
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Lack of exercise is a risk factor for developing coronary artery disease (CAD). Lack of physical activity can indirectly increase the risk of CAD, because it also increases the risk for diabetes and high blood pressure. Regular physical activity can help reduce your risk of CAD by helping you control cholesterol and blood pressure, regulate blood sugar (important for people with diabetes), and lose weight or stay at a healthy weight.
Regular exercise is essential not only for preventing CAD but also for improving your overall heart health.
It also is possible that regular physical activity increases the number of smaller blood vessels that connect different coronary arteries. If one of the major coronary arteries is suddenly blocked, these collateral blood vessels serve as an alternate route to supply blood to the portion of the heart muscle threatened by a heart attack.
- Exercise doesn't have to be difficult. Any activity that raises your heart rate can be considered exercise, such as walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing.
- Try to do moderate activity at least 2½ hours a week. Or try to do vigorous activity at least 1¼ hours a week. To lower your risk, try to exercise for an average of 40 minutes during each exercise session. Try to do this at least 3 or 4 times a week.
- Talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program if you have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease; have been sedentary for a long period of time; or have other heart, lung, or metabolic diseases, such as diabetes.
- Report any angina symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure, or shortness of breath, to your doctor immediately.
Current as of: October 24, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: October 24, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
