Take Action Toward Better Heart Health:
Increase Physical Activity
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The good news is you can lower many heart disease risk factors such as “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, increase "good" HDL cholesterol levels, and manage high blood pressure by simply moving more. Being active can also improve blood flow and give you more stamina and ability to cope with stress.
If you’re inactive, you’re nearly twice as likely to develop heart disease than if you’re active so for major health benefits aim for at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) each week. To ensure you’re reducing your sitting throughout the day and getting active, try breaking your activity up. Do 10 minutes of exercise, 3 times a day or one 30-minute session on five separate days each week. Any amount of physical activity is better than none and all activity counts! Exercising with a friend, family, or co-worker makes sticking to being physically active easier.
Try these activities:
- Take a yoga or fitness class with a friend. You can even take a virtual class online with a friend in another city.
- Work on your fitness goals with your spouse or roommate.
- Go for a daily walk with a neighbor.
For more information and ideas, use these links:
- NHLBI Resources
- Other Resources
- Go4Life (National Institute on Aging)
- Physical Activity (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
- Strengthening Opportunities for Physical Activity in School and the Community (health.gov)
- Tips for Increasing Physical Activity (ChooseMyPlate.Gov)
- Physical Activity Recommendations for Different Age Groups (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Move Your Way® (HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)
