Reducing Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Exercise helps mitigate various risk factors associated with heart disease:
1. Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Staying active helps manage body weight by burning calories and promoting metabolic health. Excess body weight, especially around the abdomen, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
2. Controlling Cholesterol Levels
Exercise positively impacts cholesterol by increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as the “good” cholesterol, and reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol. This balance helps prevent the buildup of plaque in arteries.
3. Managing Blood Sugar Levels
For individuals with or at risk for diabetes, regular exercise helps regulate blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity. This can reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes-related heart complications.