15 Things You Can Do to Avoid a Heart Attack
9. Become More Physically Active
Regular exercise can reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and help you lose weight. Your ultimate goal should be to get 2 ½ hours of moderate-intensity exercise or 1 ¼ hours of vigorous exercise each week. For moderate-intensity exercise, consider taking a brisk walk around your neighborhood after dinner. For something more intense, you can take up jogging, running, or even a spin class. In addition to the aerobic exercise, you should include strength training exercises a couple of days a week. These activities should target all the main muscle groups. This type of exercise is especially important for post-menopausal women since it also helps combat osteoporosis. Of course, you could consult your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen to ensure that it is appropriate for you.