Doctors are encouraging people to get in the habit of exercising as American Heart Month continues in February.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 695,000 people in the United States died from heart disease in 2021. That makes up one in five deaths. Heart disease can affect blood flow to the heart, which can cause a heart attack.
Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and smoking. People with diabetes, overweight, an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity are at a higher risk for heart disease.
A Norton Healthcare doctor said physical activity benefits heart health, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. He said people who are just starting to exercise shouldn’t overdo it in the beginning and a little exercise is better than none at all.
Exercise can also strength heart muscles.
The American Heart Association recommends about 150 minutes a week of physical activity. It averages to around 30 minutes five times a week.
Source: WDRB
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