Heart Disease

Many types of physical activity are fun, but only regular, brisk exercise will improve heart health. This is called "aerobic" exercise and includes jogging, swimming, jumping rope, and cross-country skiing. Walking, biking, and dancing can also strengthen your heart, if you do them fast enough and long enough. Choose an activity or groups of activities that you think you will enjoy and that will fit most easily into your daily routine.

It is important to discuss your exercise program with your doctor before you begin. This is especially important if you have heart disease or have had a heart attack, if you are older than age 50 and are not used to energetic activity, or if you have a family history of developing heart disease at a young age. Your doctor can help tailor your exercise program to be the best "fit" for you.