Exercising Regularly
Exercise improves heart function, lowers
blood pressure and
bad cholesterol (
LDL), raises
good cholesterol (
HDL), and boosts energy. Many people think this means having to do a lot of strenuous exercise every day. This is a myth. A moderate exercise program will help keep your heart and blood vessels in shape and promotes a
lower blood pressure. The American Heart Association even classifies walking at a brisk pace for 30 to 60 minutes, three days a week, as "regular physical activity." Also, you don't have to fit all your physical activity into one exercise session. You can break it up into 10-minute sessions or whatever works best for you. Your healthcare provider can help you come up with a good exercise plan to help in
stroke prevention.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
If you are overweight, losing weight can help you in several ways. Carrying extra weight puts additional strain on your heart. Also, as people gain weight, their blood pressure and
cholesterol level tend to rise. Losing weight can make
high blood pressure and
cholesterol drop back down.
Your healthcare providers can help you fashion a diet and exercise program that's right for you and your weight-loss goals. Doctors usually recommend a low-fat, low-cholesterol, and low-salt diet, along with an exercise program for those people trying to lose weight.
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