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Cardiac Care
Exercise Classes
Exercise Classes
Being inactive increases your risk for heart disease and contributes to other heart disease risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and low blood levels of healthy cholesterol.
The health benefits of regular exercise include:
- Lower blood pressure
- Weight loss
- A lower risk of diabetes. Exercise may also decrease the insulin requirements of a person with diabetes.
- Higher HDL cholesterol, which has been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease
The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week to promote heart fitness. Examples of aerobic exercise include moderate-to-brisk walking, jogging, running, swimming, and sports such as tennis, racquetball, soccer and basketball. Even modest levels of low-intensity physical activity, such as gardening, walking and brisk housework, can help if you do them regularly over a long period of time.
If you are 40 or older, if you smoke or if you have not exercised regularly, talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program.
The best defense against heart disease is prevention. Holy Cross Hospital offers a range of exercise programs to improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce stress.
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About Our Program
Heart Health: Education and
Exercise