Exercise, it seems, is like a magic bullet for all ailments, especially in terms of your heart. Most people know that regular exercise is a good way to increase cardiovascular fitness and prevent heart attacks. New research is now indicating that exercise may be vitally important in preventing a second heart attack in those who have already had a first. A report recently published in the "Journal of the American Heart Association", demonstrated that heart patients who remained active after their first heart attack had a 60% lower risk of suffering a second attack. People who increased their exercise program after the first attack had a 78% lower risk for a second attack. The researchers in this study stressed that prescribed exercise needs to be at the correct intensity for the patients fitness level and heart attack severity. The selected program should recondition the patient's body without placing unusual stress and strain on the heart. Proper exercise intensity and prescription is best found in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Cardiac patients should start with lower intensity endurance oriented activities such as walking or riding an indoor stationary cycle. This type of aerobic exercise will condition the heart and create a favorable cholesterol profile. While aerobic exercise always seems the norm with cardiac patients, make sure there are no losses in strength along with recovery. It's important to add a few upper body exercises as most aerobic exercises are lower body. Upper body work can actually provide a greater heart stumulus than leg work due to it's close proximity to the heart. In a statement on the benefits on physical activity, "The American Heart Association", stated that physical activity is a major risk factor for heart disease. This is not news. What is news is that not only can exercise help prevent a first heart attack but it can significantly reduce the chances of incurring and surviving a second one.
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