How Does Not Exercising Cause Heart Disease?
The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that by not exercising, people put themselves at danger of developing heart disease. Coronary artery disease results from the buildup of fatty deposits, calcium, cholesterol and other substance in the arteries, which carry blood supplies to the heart. In addition to preventing heart disease, regular exercise also can help patients recover from heart attacks and strokes and prevent further damage to the cardiovascular system. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women, in part because of sedentary lifestyles. Combined with other lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy and quitting smoking, exercise can drastically improve the odds of avoiding serious heart conditions.