Exercise and Heart disease

Regular exercise reduces heart attack by 30% as evidence has come from 

different clinical trials.

A)   How exercise reduces heart attack?

a)            It improve lipid abnormalities, like reduces triglycerides, increases HDL- cholesterol (good cholesterol) and reduce small dense LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol)

b)            Improves Insulin sensitivity thereby prevents the onset of diabetes and controls the sugar levels in diabetic population.

c)            Controls BP. – reduces systolic BP by 4-6mm & Diastolic BP by 2-4mm.

d)            Reduces body weight by burning calories – reduces obesity.

e)            Improve function of inner lining of blood levels and prevents atheroma (clogging of vessels)

f)             Reduces depression & stress level.

B)      How much exercise one should do?

It has been recommended that one should do brisk walk for at least 30-45’ for at least 5 days a weak (WHO guide lines)

C)      What are types of exercise?

i)             Aerobic Exercise – like walking, jogging, swimming & cycling.

ii)            Isometric Exercise – like weight lifting, resistance exercise – etc.

should be avoided.

iii)           Occupational exercise – one should encourage individuals to climb stairs instead of using lifts, involve in household work (for women) & try taking less help from servants etc.

D)      What should be the timing of Exercise?

Exercise should be done before meals or 3-4 hrs. after food. It can be done at any time of the day, however early morning is preferred because of fresh air. One should avoid chilly or hot & humid weather.

B)      Is there a need of Treadmill test (TMT) before beginning of exercise programme?

Yes – if a person has multiple risk factor like Diabetes, Hypertension & Lipid disorder etc. one should have TMT to assess functional capacity and evidence of disease (a symptomatic state)

Regular Treadmill for 15-20’ is also a good alternative to brisk walking for individuals who are unable to exercise outdoor.

One can add calisthenics – a name given to light mobilizing exercises of the upper and lower limbs designed to promote general fitness.

A days exercise can if need be broken up into multiple shorter bouts in order to fit in with the individuals Lifestyle. (Three 10’ sessions a day instead of single 30’ session)

C)      What is recommendation for children?

Yes exercise programme to prevent Cardiovascular problems should ideally begin in childhood. Children should be encouraged to participate in outdoor games instead of spending time in front of TV & Computers. Remember fitness cannot be stored. Athletes in youth is not protective against heart disease later in life.

Suggestion : Text books should include topics related to health education like prevention of Heart attack etc. in school.