Cardiovascular diseases are one of the biggest killers in the United Kingdom, however, it may frequently be avoided by living a healthy lifestyle. It has also been linked to artery damage in organs like the brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes.
Physical Inactivity
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the five primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease, along with high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid readings, smoking, and obesity. Lack of physical activity, often known as sedentary behaviour, occurs when you do not move your body for extended periods. This includes sitting or sleeping on the couch while watching TV, as well as sitting at a desk or computer. Being physically active does not need to run a marathon. It might involve activities such as gym, cleaning and gardening; it's all about getting up and moving more.
Risk of Heart and Circulatory Diseases
Inactivity might cause fatty material to accumulate in your arteries. A heart attack can occur if the arteries that deliver blood to your heart become damaged and blocked. This can cause a stroke if it occurs in the arteries that deliver blood to your brain.
Importance of Physical Activity
The heart is a muscle, and like other muscles, it requires physical activity or exercises to function correctly. When you're active, your lungs perform a better job of getting oxygen into your blood, where it can be circulated to all of your body's tissues and cells. Being physically active can lower your chance of having certain heart and circulation disorders by up to 35%.
Regular physical activity:
Helps control your blood pressure and keep it within healthy levels
Raises your levels of good cholesterol while decreasing your levels of bad cholesterol
Can help control your blood glucose levels, lowering your risk of Type 2 diabetes
Increases the number of calories you burn and helps you maintain a healthy weight
Regular physical exercise not only protects your heart, but may also improve your overall well-being by elevating your mood, enhancing your focus and memory, and allowing you to sleep better.
How much activity is enough?
You must be physically active every day to lower your risk of heart and circulation disorders. Any action is preferable to none, and you should strive to break up extended periods of inactivity with activities such as sitting or lying down. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise.
The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom also encouraged adults aged 30 to 95 to assess their heart age and health. Furthermore, they offer advice on how people might enhance their heart health.
Heart Age test link: