Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful tools for cardiovascular health, offering benefits that no medication can fully replicate. Aerobic exercise—activities like walking, cycling, swimming, and jogging—strengthens the heart muscle, improves its efficiency at pumping blood, and enhances the flexibility and function of blood vessels. Just 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week has been shown to reduce heart disease risk by up to 30%. Resistance training complements cardio by improving metabolic health, reducing blood pressure, and helping maintain healthy body composition as we age.

The key to lasting heart health benefits is finding an exercise routine you can sustain over time. This means choosing activities you genuinely enjoy, starting at an appropriate intensity for your current fitness level, and gradually progressing as your conditioning improves. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained popularity for its time efficiency and cardiovascular benefits, but even low-intensity activities like daily walking provide significant protection. The worst exercise for your heart is the one you don’t do—so focus on consistency over perfection, and remember that any movement is better than none.