| Prevent and guard against obesity
Simple aerobic activities that increase metabolic rate such as walking, cycling, gardening, dancing and swimming are effective contributors to achieving a desirable body weight, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Habitual exercise decreases the risk of high blood pressure among those who are overweight. Blood pressure
Regular physical activity reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressures in hypertensive patients. Exercise is best combined with a reduction in alcohol, salt intake, and weight loss for this effect. Lipid metabolism
Physical activity has a favourable effect on lipid metabolism, improving the HDL:LDL cholesterol ratio and decreasing the plasma triglyceride levels in those with initial high levels. Exercise can increase the inhibition of the blood clotting process or platelet aggregation, rather like an antiplatelet agent. Blood glucose levels and diabetes
Exercise helps maintain plasma glucose levels by increasing insulin sensitivity, enabling better control of insulin activity in both NIDDM (Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) diabetic and non-diabetic people. People with NIDDM who are physically active are at lower risk of the vascular complications of diabetes such as heart disease than those who lead a sedentary life. Strength of heart
Exercise can decrease the resting heart rate over a period of time, due to its effect on enlarging the myocardium and increasing the size of the ventricles. A gentle build-up of activity over time increases the capabilities of the heart to pump blood around the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to where they are needed. |