In the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, there's one activity that stands out as a champion for cardiovascular well-being – running. Dr Vijay DSilva, Medical Director of Asian Heart Institute and medical director of Mumbai Marathon 2024 emphasizes the profound benefits that running can offer, particularly in promoting heart health and preventing heart disease.
What Is The Connection Between Heart and Running?
Dr DSilva underscores the intricate connection between running and heart health. Regular running is a potent ally in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. As a weight-bearing exercise, running strengthens the heart muscle, enhances circulation, and optimizes blood flow, fostering an environment conducive to heart health.
Cardiovascular Fitness: A Lifelong Investment
Engaging in running on a regular basis pays dividends that extend beyond the immediate. Dr DSilva emphasizes that cardiovascular fitness achieved through running is a long-term investment in heart health. It strengthens the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
Managing Risk Factors
Heart disease often stems from a combination of risk factors, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes and obesity. Running is a holistic approach to managing these risk factors. Dr DSilva points out that running helps regulate blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, improves insulin control and contributes to weight management, all crucial components in reducing the risk of heart disease.
Also Read: Why You Shouldn't Overdo Running For Heart Health
Strengthening the Heart Muscle
The heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle, it benefits from regular exercise. Running, with its aerobic nature, strengthens the heart muscle, making it more efficient in pumping blood. This improved efficiency reduces the strain on the heart and lowers the risk of developing heart-related issues.
Boosting Mood and Reducing Stress
In addition to its physical benefits, running has a positive impact on mental well-being, which is closely linked to heart health. Running stimulates the release of the body's natural mood enhancers, endorphins. This not only contributes to a sense of well-being but also helps in managing stress. As stress is a known contributor to heart disease, the stress-relieving benefits of running are invaluable.
Also Read: Start Early, Stay Strong: Heart-Healthy Habits for Your 20s
Weight Management: A Crucial Aspect
"Maintaining a healthy weight is a key factor in preventing heart disease, and running is a powerful tool in achieving and sustaining weight loss. Running burns calories effectively, helping individuals maintain a healthy body weight. By reducing excess body fat, running contributes to a lower risk of heart disease and associated complications," shares Dr DSilva.
Social Connection and Support
Beyond the physical benefits, there are many social aspects of running as a contributing factor to heart health. Group running events, such as marathons, foster a sense of community and support. Social connections play a vital role in reducing feelings of isolation and stress, further promoting heart health through positive social interactions.
A Personalized Approach
It's important to note that while running offers numerous benefits for heart health, individuals should adopt a personalized approach based on their current fitness levels and health conditions. Consult with your doctor, before embarking on a running regimen, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions.
Final Word
The benefits of running extend beyond the finish line, impacting both physical and mental well-being. It is a powerful and accessible form of exercise, running stands as a beacon in the journey toward preventing heart disease and promoting a heart-healthy life.