Smoking is the only modifiable risk factor not affected by exercise. People who exercise regularly are less likely to have high blood pressure. And those with high blood pressure may be able reduce it by regular aerobic exercise. Both intensities of exercise were equally effective in lowering diastolic blood pressure. Exercise may make reductions in the dose of medications possible, and sometimes make medication unnecessary.
Exercise can also affect blood levels of cholesterol.
Aerobic exercise raises HDL, the good cholesterol. Strength training which involves lifting weights to increase muscle strength may decrease LDL, the bad cholesterol. Even diabetes can be helped by exercise. Working muscles remove glucose from the blood, lowering blood glucose levels. Diabetics who take insulin often need less insulin when they exercise.