Consuming a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, giving up tobacco, and limiting your alcohol intake will improve your heart health. Exercise plays a significant role as well, including relatively simple tasks such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Here, the doctors at DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA, in Rochelle Park, NJ, explain why opting to walk should be part of any comprehensive heart health plan.

Avoid Hypertension, Clogged Arteries & Weight Gain

Walking up stairs instead of taking the elevator or escalator increases your heart rate and protects against high blood pressure, weight gain, and clogged arteries. Even small daily workouts, such as these lifestyle changes, boosts circulation. Oxygen-rich blood strengthens muscles and increases endurance. It lowers your risk of obesity and improves immunity, so you are less susceptible to viruses and bacteria. Risk of chronic health problems such as Type 2 diabetes decreases as well.

Healthy blood circulation keeps your arteries from clogging with bad cholesterol, which reduces your risk of heart attack, stroke, vascular dementia, heart disease, and some cancers.

Relieve Stress & Tension

Walking more and stair climbing improves heart health by releasing endorphins, or feel-good brain chemicals, to lower your levels of stress and tension. Stress manifests physically in many ways that affect heart health; for instance, by releasing cortisol and adrenaline, which trigger bodily inflammation. Inflammation increases the risk of heart disease, especially when people use tobacco, alcohol, and high-fat comfort foods to relieve their anxiety. 

The board-certified cardiovascular physicians at DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA, offer over 20 years of experience and specialize in cardiac diseases as well as peripheral and cardiac interventions. This patient-centered practice also serves individuals at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, and Holy Name Medical Center. Call (201) 845-3535 today to schedule an appointment or visit the website for more service information. Like their Facebook page for heart health tips and other wellness advice.