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Exercise can reverse heart disease

We all know how important exercise is in the prevention and management of various diseases. Now, a recent study has concluded that exercise can reverse the damage to sedentary, aging hearts and help prevent risk of future heart failure - provided it's enough exercise and it's begun in time.
To get the maximum benefit, exercise regimen should begin by late middle age (before 65 years), when the heart apparently retains some plasticity and ability to remodel itself. Results also conclude that exercise needs to be performed four to five times a week. As two to three times a week was not enough, according to an earlier study.
Sedentary aging can lead to a stiffening of the muscle in the heart's left ventricle, the chamber that pumps oxygen-rich blood back out to the body. When the muscle stiffens, you get high pressure and the heart chamber doesn't fill as well with blood. In its most severe form, blood can back up into the lungs. That is when heart failure develops.
In conclusion, poor fitness in middle age is a strong predictor of future risk of heart failure and regular exercise should be given as much as importance as given to their personal hygiene - just like brushing your teeth and taking a shower.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Doctors are their independent professional judgment and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. This should not be considered as a substitute for Physician's advice. Please consult your treating Physician for more details.