Did you know that one in four Americans dies of heart disease? It is the leading cause of death among American men and women, which means that we have to take time to explicitly improve our heart health!

And since February is American Heart Month, our team at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock wants to take a few minutes to talk about heart health and the importance of exercise. Exercise is one of the most effective ways in which patients can reduce risk factors for heart disease!

Below, we’ll explain how and why exercise is crucial to ensure that patients can integrate health exercise options into their lifestyle.

Why Is a Sedentary Lifestyle So Dangerous?

Sedentary behavior—where little physical activity is involved—is much more common in the United States today. But that doesn’t mean it’s a good thing.

Many of us spend a lot of our waking hours in a desk chair in front of a computer. All that time sitting can be detrimental to your health. Fortunately, regular exercise can help to improve your heart health—helping you to lose weight, improve your cholesterol levels and lower your blood pressure.

Good Cardiovascular Workouts

An example of a good cardiovascular workout can be any general exercises that allows you to increase movement and gradually keep your heart pumping. The types of works that even beginner-level runners/walkers can try out include:

• Walking
• Stair-climbing
• Jumping rope
• Cycling
• Rowing
• Burpees
• Swimming

What Happens to the Heart When You Exercise?

It gets stronger! Just as the other muscles in your body get stronger when you exercise, so does your heart.

Regular exercise makes your heart more efficient, making it better able to pump blood throughout your entire body without being strained. As a result, your blood pressure is kept under control and your heart doesn’t have to beat so fast when tackling daily tasks.

Other Health Benefits of Exercise

For American Heart Month, we want to again emphasize that health benefits have on your heart, weight, and other factors that promote happiness. A healthy heart can help with the following:

• Keeps your weight down
• Improves your mood
• Lowers your risk for some types of cancer
• Improves your balance
• Reduces your risk of osteoporosis by increasing bone mass
• Gives you more energy
• Helps you sleep better

If you need urgent care services, screenings for heart disease risks, or other preventive care needs, please visit our walk-in clinic in Castle Rock, CO! Patients can get the care they need by coming in without the need for an appointment!