Last Sunday a study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association showing that men over 40 have a 1 in 8 chance of having a sudden cardiac death over the remainder of their lifetime. This study is just another stark reminder of the risks associated with heart disease and underscores the importance of using exercise as an approach to combat it. Through a litany of research and press, we have all been conditioned to see the link between exercise and a healthy heart, however, to help solidify this notion the following are some key points in regard to how aerobic exercise specifically impacts our cardiovascular system in a positive way:

Benefits of Aerobic Exercise to the Cardiovascular System

• Adaptations to the heart and peripheral blood vessels allow the body to intake and use oxygen more efficiently. This adaptation can lead to a lower resting heart rate.
• Decreases in blood pressure occur.
• Increased capillary density in skeletal muscle allows for better oxygen delivery to the associated areas.
• HDL or “good cholesterol increases; levels of fats in the blood decrease.
• The ability to process sugars and carbohydrates is improved leading to reduced insulin needs and improved glucose tolerance. (Diabetes is a risk factor in developing heart disease)
• Blood clotting is reduced.

For more info on heart health visit the U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.