The 3 best types of exercise for heart health and how to create a heart-healthy workout plan
Regular exercise is essential for a healthy heart. Peter Bernik/Shutterstock
Exercising is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, which causes 25% of deaths among Americans each year.
At the same time, skipping exercise can increase your risk. For example, it's estimated that 35% of deaths from coronary heart disease are caused by physical inactivity.
"Even without having risk factors, physical inactivity can lead to heart disease and dying from premature cardiovascular disease," says Monisha Bhanote, MD, an internist and founder of Integrative Medicine in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
That's because a lack of exercise can lead to elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes— all of which are proven to increase a person's risk for heart disease.
It's clear that exercise is important for a healthy heart. Here's which types of exercise are best and how much you need.
Aerobic exercise for heart health
Aerobic exercise is exercise that increases your breathing and heart rate. This is also known as cardiovascular exercise or cardio, because it directly improves your cardiovascular system, which is powered by the heart.
"Aerobic activities will increase your body's capacity to use oxygen, improve circulation, and lower heart rate," Bhanote says.
The American Heart Association recommends that adults do a minimum of 150 minutes — 2.5 hours — of moderately intense aerobic exercise each week. Examples include: