Cardiovascular disease risk: factors

Physical activity, baths and saunas, and sex have a positive effect on health, but everything must be done in moderation. A cardiologist tells us how these activities affect the heart and when they can be dangerous.

Benefits and harms of physical activity

Candidate of Medical Sciences, cardiologist at the Hadassah branch of the Hadassah Clinic

“We all know that regular exercise is essential for our health, including our heart. However, as with everything, there are some pitfalls.”

Research shows that for most people, moderate physical activity, such as walking, swimming or going to the gym, is beneficial to the cardiovascular system. It improves blood flow, blood vessel elasticity, and the body’s lipid profile.

Physical activity has a number of positive effects on the cardiovascular system:

helps to strengthen the heart muscle, which helps to improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease;
helps to dilate blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure. This is especially important for people with hypertension or a predisposition to high blood pressure;
improves the cholesterol profile: increases levels of “good” (high-density lipoprotein) and reduces levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein). This helps reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease;
reduces the risk of developing diabetes – helps improve cell sensitivity to insulin, which helps normalize blood sugar levels;
helps burn calories and maintain a normal weight. Being overweight is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, so maintaining a healthy weight is important.

Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (walking, running, swimming or cycling) for 150 minutes a week or high-intensity exercise for 75 minutes a week is recommended. You should gradually increase aerobic activity to 300 minutes a week: that’s 40 minutes every day or 60 minutes five times a week.

Before starting any physical activity, you should consult your doctor for a health assessment and recommendations, especially if you have any medical restrictions.

As for patients who have heart problems, they may benefit from the following types of exercise:

Walking. This is one of the most accessible and safest forms of aerobic exercise. You can walk outdoors or on a treadmill at the gym. It is important to start with moderate exercise and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts.
Bicycling. Another option for aerobic exercise. For example, ride on the street or in the gym on a stationary exercise bike.
Swimming. This type of activity is great for relieving stress on the joints and preventing injuries. This form of exercise is especially useful for people with joint problems or obesity.
Elliptical trainer. This device combines walking, running and the effects of cross-country skiing. It loads the muscles of the legs and arms, strengthens the heart and blood vessels.
Dancing. These activities are a fun and energetic way to improve cardiac health. Any style you like will do.

For people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or those over the age of 40-50, it’s important to get advice from a cardiologist before starting a new intense workout or increasing your level of physical activity. Sometimes intense exercise can be harmful to the heart, so here it is necessary to emphasize an individual approach and observe the measure.

Benefits and harms of baths and saunas

Studies show that visiting a bath or sauna has some positive effects on the heart. In particular, it improves circulation, dilates blood vessels and promotes general well-being.

However, as with exercise, it’s important to remember to measure and consider your condition. People with cardiovascular problems should consult a doctor before being exposed to high temperatures.

Benefits and harms of sex

Scientists have analyzed the effects of intimate contact on the heart, and the results are interesting. For most people, healthy relationships and an active sex life are good for the heart, from increased heart rate and improved circulation to good mood and reduced stress levels.

For patients who have undergone heart surgery, there are a few technical recommendations in the early post-operative period to have sex safely.

Here are some of them:

Before engaging in sexual activity after heart surgery, it is important to discuss this with your cardiologist or operating surgeon. They will be able to make recommendations based on your individual condition and the characteristics of the surgery.
It is recommended that you gradually resume sexual activity after heart surgery. Start with gentle and low-intensity forms of activity and then increase the intensity as you recover.
Try to avoid excessive exercise and stress during sexual activity. Choose positions that do not put a lot of strain on your heart and circulatory system.
Pay attention to symptoms. If you experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, dizziness or other discomfort during sex, stop sexual activity immediately and seek medical attention.
If you are prescribed medications after heart surgery, make sure you take them correctly and regularly. Some medications can affect sexual function, so discuss this with your doctor.
Pay attention to your psychological well-being, as heart surgery causes stress and nervousness, which affects sexual performance. Try to relax and de-stress before intimate contact.

Remember that these recommendations are general and vary depending on your individual condition and type of surgery. Always discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor to get professional advice based on your specific case.

Habits harmful to the heart

Heart health is negatively affected by smoking, including secondhand smoke, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption and sedentary lifestyle. These habits should be minimized or completely eliminated from your life.

Studies show that these factors can cause cardiovascular disease, increase cholesterol and blood pressure, and contribute to body fat accumulation.