World Athletics Day 2025: How Athletics Improve Heart Health ?

By Vanshika Gaur
07 May 2025, 07:00 IST

World Athletics Day is celebrated every year on 7th May to spread awareness regarding physiological and psychological benefits of sports. Here are a few reasons how sports help improve cardiovascular health. Tap to know!

Increases Good Cholesterol

Playing sports can help increase good cholesterol (HDL) in the body while reducing bad cholesterol (LDL), lowering the risk of heart diseases.

Reduces Stress

Engaging in sports helps release endorphins (feel-good hormones) in the body, which reduces stress and helps lower blood pressure.

Regulates Blood Sugar

Participating in athletics helps improve insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar and reduces the risk of diabetes and heart diseases.

Improves Blood Flow

Sports also help improve blood flow by increasing heart rate and efficiently delivering nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.

Strengthens Heart Muscles

Sports like swimming, running, and more makes the heart work harder to pump blood, which over time strengthens the heart muscles.

Weight Management

Excess weight can strain the heart and increase the risk of high blood pressure. However, playing sports burns calories and fat, helping to manage weight.

Information Credits

According to PubMed, sports help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by improving blood flow, reducing stress, and more. It is advisable to consult a fitness professional for personalised suggestions.