Apolipoprotein B may actually turn out to be a very accurate indicator of heart disease risk in women. High Blood Pressure High blood pressure, or hypertension, has long been a proven cause of coronary artery disease. Effects of Exercise and Sedentary Lifestyles People who are sedentary are almost twice as likely to suffer heart attacks as are people who exercise regularly. Regular moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, lowers the heart rate and blood pressure, improves cholesterol, lowers blood sugar levels, fights blood clots, and reduces stress in both men and women. The brisker and longer the walks the more protection exercise offers for both men and women who are able to engage in more vigorous exercise.
Healthy people can exercise without supervision.
Even elderly people with unstable angina or who had a previous heart attack can benefit from a structured aerobics program. Activities that involve raising the arms above the head may also be risky. Patients with angina should never exercise shortly after eating. People with risk factors for heart disease should seek medical clearance and a detailed exercise prescription. And all people, including healthy individuals, should listen carefully to their bodies for signs of distress as they exercise.