$Unique_ID{BRK00161}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{Can a Running Program Help Decrease Your Risk of Heart Attack?}
$Subject{exercise middle-age heart attack}
$Volume{G-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can a Running Program Help Decrease Your Risk of Heart Attack?


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QUESTION:  I'm 43 years old, male, and lead a rather non-athletic life behind
a desk.  Lately I have been thinking it's time to get in shape.  Could a
running program help decrease my risk of heart attack?

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ANSWER:   Running has been found to help unfit middle-aged men to lessen the
risk of heart disease.  In one 30 week study, some 50 sedentary middle-aged
men took part in a structured training program.  The subjects all had full
physicals before participating, during the experiment, and after the program
ended.
     The important factors in monitoring heart disease--serum cholesterol
levels, plasma triglycerides, body weight, percent of body fat and blood
pressure were all checked.
     As the study ended, the serum cholesterol level of the group had dropped
an average of 12%, which is quite significant.  Another significant drop--the
resting blood pressure of the participants.  Many who participated also lost
several pounds.  Another interesting effect of the training program was an
increase in the peak exercise cardiac output--an improvement in cardiac
function.
     It can, therefore, be very helpful for middle-aged men who are unfit to
get fit for their hearts' sake.
     But do not start the exercise program without getting a physical exam
first.  Your doctor should do a cardiac stress test to make sure it's safe for
you to begin a strenuous exercise program.  The other thing to remember is to
train, not strain--don't try to get fit overnight.  (That's dangerous).  It
probably took you many years to get into your unfit condition, and its just
good sense to know that is is going to take some time to reverse the
situation.  You might want to start with a brisk walking program and progress
to running, as this will ease your body back into a physical state.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
