AHA Scientific Position Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. Even moderate-intensity physical activity such as brisk walking is beneficial when done regularly for a total of 30 minutes or longer on most days. Regular aerobic physical activity increases a person's capacity for exercise. It also plays a role in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Physical inactivity and cardiovascular mortality are linked.
Exercise can help control blood lipid abnormalities, diabetes and obesity.
The results of pooled studies show that people who modify their behavior after heart attack to include regular exercise have better rates of survival. Some activities improve flexibility, some build muscular strength and some increase endurance. Some forms of continuous activities involve using the large muscles in your arms or legs, called endurance or aerobic exercises. They benefit the heart because they make it work more efficiently during exercise and at rest. Brisk walking, jumping rope, jogging, bicycling, cross-country skiing and dancing are examples of aerobic exercises that increase endurance.