The Connection Between Fitness and Heart Disease - It Isn't Only a Risk for Older People!

Did you know that one in every five American adults and teens do not exercise enough? The fact that they do not get enough exercise is putting them at risk for heart disease as well as for diabetes and other chronic diseases as well as for obesity.

Teens can be at risk for heart disease in the future if they form bad health habits not that have an adverse affect on blood pressure, blood cholesterol and lifestyle habits such as smoking and poor fitness that may increase their risk for heart disease in the future.

Being physically inactive puts an individual at grave risk for heart disease especially if you have other risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol. A recent international study shows that inactivity leads to heart attacks in as many as 12% of those who suffered a heart attack.

Adult females are shown in studies to have lower physical activity levels than male adults. When individuals recognize the connection between inactivity and heart disease they can improve their risk for heart disease by becoming more active. Low physical activity levels can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes and a higher risk for heart disease and other diseases such as diabetes.

Older adults are also at an increased risk for heart disease due to the risk factor of age.

The good news is that teens and adults who know they are at risk for heart disease and are inactive can make changes to improve their activity level. Changes that can be simple to implement such as taking the stairs instead of using the elevator all the time can reduce your risk of heart disease. Parking farther distances from entrance to building forces you to walk from further back in the parking lot to get to the store and then again to get back to your vehicle.

Exercises like walking the dog, playing ball with a child, gardening and swimming are easy and do not cost anything. Doing these activity for 30 minutes each day can significantly reduce the health risks associated with being inactive.

Physical inactivity and other risk factors such as smoking cigarettes, having high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol are all risks that can be modified or changed so that you can make a difference in your risk for a heart attack.

Most individuals of any age who are healthy can start to be more active but those who are middle aged or older who have been inactive especially those who suffer from any chronic disease should consult with a medical doctor before starting any moderate to intense physical exercise.

If you are an individual who has been inactive for a while any amount of physical activity will benefit you. Most healthy adults should have a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity each day. An hour of physical activity each day of the week is optimum for good health and to reduce your risk for heart disease.

If you have any health concerns, or obese, or have been inactive for a long period of time suddenly going to an intense level of physical activity may carry some risks for you so it is best to consult with a medical doctor to learn how to safely start a exercise program that won't pose any health risks for you.