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Cardiovascular Health Centre
Prevention |
Exercise for Cardiovascular Fitness
Regular exercise is recommended to protect against the development of heart disease and stroke. The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends 30 minutes of exercise on most, if not all, days of the week. Exercise can help reverse or limit the build-up of plaque (fatty deposits) in the arteries and improve the heart's oxygen supply. Among its many other important benefits, exercise can:
- raise your level of "good cholesterol" (HDL)
- reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- modestly lower your blood pressure
- help you lose weight
What really motivates you to exercise, however, is that it makes you feel better. Regular exercise reduces fatigue and improves your mood. The mental boost you get from sticking to your exercise program may even help you make other lifestyle changes, such as giving up smoking or losing weight. |
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