Everyone knows that regular physical activity is one of the keys to living a healthy life. However, different types of exercise provide different benefits, so choosing the correct athletic activity is important.
If it’s your heart health that has you concerned, running is a powerful way to strengthen and improve the function of your heart in both the short and long term. It has been proven that running has a positive impact on heart health, owing to a multitude of factors. Let’s have a closer look at the benefits of running for your heart.
Lowers Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
One of the primary benefits of developing the habit to go on a morning or evening run is reducing levels of cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. Running can even increase the levels of high-density lipoprotein or HDL, which is considered to be the “good” type of cholesterol. For these effects to manifest, you should run for half an hour two or three times a week.
Makes the Heart Muscle Stronger
The heart is a blood-pumping muscle that becomes stronger with exercise, much like any other muscle in the human body. Running makes the heart work a little harder since it increases the heart rate. If you exercise it this way regularly, the walls of the heart will become stronger, and your heart will work much more efficiently.
Reduces the Heart’s Workload
As a direct consequence of making the heart muscle stronger, running will also improve the performance of your heart. In practice, that means that you won’t get tired as quickly. Runners tend to have a lower resting pulse rate and increased oxygen intake. A stronger heart pumps more blood per beat, which makes it easier for the blood to reach every corner of the body.
Reduces the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Studies show that regular exercise, including running, can decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease by almost fifty percent. Due to its many benefits, running has a significant effect on multiple factors affecting the development of cardiovascular disease. Improved blood circulation, better cholesterol levels, and lower blood pressure eliminate or decrease primary cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Helps Maintain Weight or Lose It
Running will also help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. Running can also help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. Delete the rest.If you set goals for yourself, both in pounds to shed and miles to run, it will become easier to make running a habit. Add this: Over time, a consistent running routine can help contribute to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Initiating a running routine is not always an easy task and can be daunting at first, however with hard work and dedication, the benefits can help you maintain a healthy quality of life. As always, take the time to consult a physician before starting this or any other exercise program.
Keeping your heart healthy should be among your priorities. Premier Heart & Vascular Center’s skilled heart physicians are there for every patient that needs care or has questions.
If you want to learn more about improving cardiovascular health, please visit our website.
