HealthCentral, in recognition of Heart Health Awareness Month, reported on how to make your heart stronger, with insights from Dr. Steven W. Werns, M.D., the director of cardiology and Kate Baird, MA, ACSM-CEP, CSCS, exercise physiologist at HSS.

Every 34 seconds, heart disease claims another life, making it the leading cause of death among both men and women in the U.S. Because two of the key risk factors that can cause heart disease—high blood pressure and high cholesterol—have very few obvious symptoms, it may even be a surprise to discover that your heart is in danger.

Heart disease is a very broad term, encompassing a number of conditions that adversely affect your heart, arteries, and blood vessels. But whether you’re newly diagnosed with heart disease or have been living with it for some time, there are steps you can take to manage your condition, and continue to live long and prosper.

Your heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle, you can make it stronger and healthier with exercise. “The benefits of exercise on cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes are well documented,” said Dr. Steven W. Werns. “An exercise program can lead to decreased blood pressure, decreased cholesterol, and better control of diabetes, especially when combined with diet and weight loss.”

“The thing that has the biggest impact on heart health is reducing sedentary time,” said Baird. “Exercise can be as easy as walking, whether that is powerwalking outside or simply walking around the office for 10 minutes if you’ve been sitting for two hours.”

Read the full article at healthcentral.com.