Physical Activity and Reducing Heart Attacks

Q: Can physical activity reduce my chances of getting a heart attack?

A: Yes! Various studies have shown that physical inactivity is a risk factor for heart disease. Overall, the results show heart disease is almost twice as likely to develop in inactive people than in those who are more active. Regular physical activity (even mild to moderate exercise) can help reduce your risk of heart disease. In fact, burning calories through physical activity may help you lose weight or stay at your desirable weight -- which also helps lower your risk of heart disease. The best exercises to strengthen your heart and lungs are the aerobic ones like brisk walking, jogging, cycling and swimming.

Coronary artery disease is the major cause of heart disease and heart attack in America. It develops when fatty deposits build up on the inner walls of the blood vessels feeding the heart (coronary arteries). Eventually one or more of the major coronary arteries may become blocked -- either by the buildup of deposits or by a blood clot forming in the artery's narrowed passageway. The result is a heart attack.

We know that there are several factors that can increase your risk for developing coronary artery disease -- and thus the chances for a heart attack. Fortunately, many of these risk factors can be reduced or eliminated.

The risk factors for heart disease that you can do something about are: Cigarette Smoking, High Blood Pressure, High Blood Cholesterol, Physical Inactivity and Obesity. The more risk factors you have, the greater your risk for heart disease and heart attack.

Cigarette Smoking. Heavy smokers are two to four times more likely to have a heart attack than nonsmokers. The heart attack death rate among all smokers is 70% greater than among nonsmokers. People who are active regularly are more likely to cut down or stop cigarette smoking.

High Blood Pressure. The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk of developing heart disease or stroke. A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) or greater is generally classified as high blood pressure. Regular physical activity, even of moderate intensity, can help reduce high blood pressure in some people. This type of activity may also help prevent high blood pressure.

High Blood Cholesterol. A total blood cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL (milligrams per decaliter) or above is high and increases your risk of heart disease. A total blood cholesterol level of 200-239 mg/dL is considered borderline high. A total blood cholesterol of under 200 mg/dL is desirable and usually puts you at a lower risk of heart disease.

Cholesterol in the blood is transported by different types of particles. One of these particles is a protein called high density lipoprotein or HDL. HDL has been called "good" cholesterol because research has shown that high levels of HDL are linked with a lower risk of coronary artery disease. An HDL level of 60 mg/dL and above is considered protective against heart disease. Less than 40 mg/dL is considered a major risk factor for heart disease. Regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is linked with increased HDL levels.

Physical Inactivity. Lack of physical activity increases your risk for developing heart disease. Even people who have had a heart attack can increase their chances of survival if they change their habits to include regular physical activity. It can help control blood lipids, diabetes and obesity as well as help to lower blood pressure.

Also, physical activity of the right intensity, frequency and duration can increase the fitness of your heart and lungs -- which may help protect you against heart disease even it you have other risk factors.

Obesity. Excess weight may increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes. Regular physical activity can help you maintain your desirable body weight. People at their desirable weight are less likely to develop diabetes. And, exercise may also decrease a diabetic person's need for insulin.

Tips for your heart's health:

• Stay physically active.
• Stop smoking and avoid other people's smoke if possible.
• Control high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.
• Cut down on total fats, saturated fats, cholesterol and salt in your diet.
• Reduce weight if overweight.

Remember that even if you are active, you should not ignore other risk factors. Reduce or eliminate any risk factors you can to lower your chances of having a heart attack.

Information provided by the National Institutes of Health.

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.