can you make the heart stronger?

Answer 1

Certainly, the heart is in essence a muscle, and like all muscles it can be made stronger through exercise, specifically cardiovascular exercise in this case, which means essentially any exercise that causes increased heart rate, which includes walking, jogging, running, swimming, cycling, basically almost any exercise that involves whole body movement or large amounts of energy output, ie not static exercises like weight training which work mainly the skeletal muscles.

To raise the heart rate you need to increase the oxygen demand of the body basically, this will cause increased heart and respiration rate and thus exercise the muscles of the heart, along with of course the diaphram (muscle which controls the inflation and deflation of the lungs) and the muscles of the rib cage (also important in breathing). Which will cause those muscles to become stronger and overall increase your general health and stamina.

Of course it is also important to avoid activities which damage the heart, these include alcohol consumption (Anything beyond very moderate amounts), smoking (of any substance), Fatty foods (these increase cholesterol levels along with depositing fatty tissue around the heart, both will weaken the heart).

Also to be avoided are stimulant drugs (including everything from the legal drugs like caffeine to illegal drugs like amphetamines or cocaine), while these do increase heart rate they generally do so in such a way which places excessive stress on the heart causing damage as opposed to making it any stronger. Although you will find in general that regular cardiovascular exercise will improve your overall energy levels anyway.

And it helps to eat a healthy balanced diet, which will of course help your heart but also the rest of your body as well.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Before you start any diet or exercise, please consult your doctor first. This is in case you have deficiencies in your body.

Basically, as everyone has mentioned cardiovascular exercise and a healthy diet will help strengthen your heart. For your diet, you should consume more fibre because it helps reduce cholesterol which can clog up arteries. Therefore, your heart has to work harder--which is not the way you want your heart to get stronger!!!

For exercise, and again, please consult your doctor first. I do not know what kind of shape you are in, but you need to do a cardiovascular exercise that will raise your heart rate for a minimum of 30 minutes 3-4 times per week. Try something fun like riding your bike, dancing, aerobics classes, jogging with friends, etc...

I hope this helps and good luck!

Answer 4

Sure! You need plenty of exercise, green leafy vegetables and Vitamin d. Exercise and eating right are all great starts, no matter which one you choose. It never too late to LOVE your heart. Good Luck!!! P.S. Stay away from stressful situations.

Answer 5

one thing you will want to make sure to do is get a daily dose of potassium. and i don't just mean eating a banana or two. potassium is a very important element in heart health. it allows for excess fluids to drain away from the heart, as well as a multitude of other benifits.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Yes, that's what cardiovascular exercise is all about - strengthening the heart and lungs.

Answer 8

Yes exercise like running

Answer 9

Absolutely, it is a muscle and can be kept healthy with exercise, proper diet and learning not to get too stressed out.

Answer 10

Leave it out in the sun for three days, It'll smell really strong.