The heart is important for its function of pumping blood to the organs, tissues and cells of the body; In addition, many experts associate it with the engine of a car because, thanks to its work, the body and the vehicles are put in motion.
“Many people take better care of their car than their body,” says Dr. Denton A. Cooley, founder of the Texas Heart Institute.
The expert also indicates that people “worry about changing the oil, performing periodic tuning and using the appropriate gasoline. But when it comes to their own bodies, they feed it high-fat, high-salt foods, smoke, and don’t exercise regularly.”, in words collected by the portal of the Heart Institute in Texas (Texasheart).
The lack of care with the body generates cardiovascular diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels. Cooley emphasizes that the risk factors for these diseases must be reduced, which is why he recommends a “diet low in fat, salt and cholesterol; no type of tobacco should be consumed; exercise at least three times a week, and maintain a healthy weight.”
In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, reducing or eliminating alcohol intake and avoiding stress, experts on the Texas Heart Institute website also recommend practicing sports to keep your heart healthy.
What the specialists suggest is to do sports at least three times a week for 30 minutes to strengthen the heart. Doing aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, jogging or cycling are the activities most recommended by experts.
“Exercise burns calories; it reduces appetite, blood pressure and stress, and raises levels of HDL (the good cholesterol). It also improves the figure and makes us feel better. It’s almost too simple,” explains Dr. Denton A. Cooley.
“Specialists recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five times a week,” says the portal of the Heart Foundation.
In Medlineplus they advise agreeing with the doctor the best sports routine for each patient, with the aim of keeping the heart in good condition.
“Aerobic activity uses the heart and lungs for a long period of time. It also helps the heart use oxygen better and improves circulation.. You want your heart to work a little harder each time, but not to make it work too hard.
Walking, swimming, light jogging or cycling are some of the sports activities that can start the habit of exercise. The important thing is to start with a moderate routine, to later increase the intensity.
The experts They advise stretching and warming up before exercise, you should also rest and avoid overloading in sports activityespecially when you have any heart symptoms.
Weight-bearing routines are also ideal, as they help strengthen muscles for daily activities. Medlineplus indicates that these exercises “do not help the heart as aerobic exercise does.”
On the aforementioned website they advise Get advice from a physiotherapist or trainer, as they can explain how to do the exercises in a more correct way and avoid injuries.
In the Heart Foundation they also advise controlling the blood glucose level, since “cardiovascular diseases are responsible for 80% of deaths in people with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.”
Experts point out that not treating diabetes in time can increase the risk of heart and cerebrovascular diseases.