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The leading cause of death in men and women is coronary heart disease (CHD.) When arteries become clogged by blood lipids, resulting in an inadequate blood supply to the heart, it is called arteriosclerosis. When delivery of blood to the heart muscle is limited by the constriction of the large and medium sized arteries, the possibility of a heart attack is greatly increased. Plaques formed from cholesterol, fatty substances, and waste products narrow the arteries and the heart as well as other vital organs such as the brain and kidneys and they are unable to receive adequate blood supply.

Studies have shown that elevated levels of cholesterol play a significant part in the development of coronary heart disease. There are two types of cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as the "bad cholesterol" and high density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as the "good cholesterol." HDL, and having a high level of it, decreases your chance for a heart attack. According to a study by Heebner and Welch, HDL impedes the development of atherosclerosis and decreases the amount of cholesterol in the peripheral cells by transporting cholesterol to the liver for elimination in the bile. To put it in simple non-medical terms, picture a train traveling through your body. Some of the cars of the train are HDL and some cars are LDL. As the train travels, the HDL picks up all the fatty substances and wastes, breaks them down, and carries them away. The cars full of LDL are all sticky inside. They pick up all the "garbage" such as the cholesterol in the blood and liver and dump it, all sticky from the inside of the train car, onto the walls of the coronary arteries and other places in your body. The higher your level of HDL, or the more cars on your train that are HDL cars, the more of the fatty wastes can be picked up, just like a trash truck, broken down and carried to a far away waste site to be properly disposed of. The more HDL and wastes carried away, the lower your risk for CHD.

There is a strong positive correlation between CHD and physical activity. The relationship between exercise training effects and HDL levels are well documented. Studies show improved lipid profiles can be achieved through exercise which facilitates weight loss and decreases body fat. Exercise even without weight loss can reduce cardiovascular risk. According to a pilot study conducted at the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, study participants saw a reduction in LDL and an increase in HDL after three months of a controlled exercise program. The study conducted by cardiologist William Kraus, M.D. showed that exercise alone can significantly improve risk factors for cardiovascular disease. His study differed from others in that it was conducted to isolate the effects of exercise and CHD from weight loss studies. Dr. Kraus said, "These patients should not become discouraged and give up exercising, because our study shows that these patients are getting healthier even if they don't lose weight." The published study is in the February 2000 issue of the Journal of Clinical Exercise Physiology and can be ordered on line at www.hkusa.com or by telephone at 1-800-747-4457.

While the numerous benefits of regular exercise are well documented, we now know that out heart health depends on it. So this Valentine's Day use that heart of yours not only to love someone, use it to exercise!! Hopefully you will keep that heart healthy and you can continue to love that special Valentine long into the future.

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Copyright © 2006-2007, Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs Inc. and Fran Perel. All rights reserved. Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs Inc. teaches Pilates in its original form and is the first studio in the country to be certified an Original Pilates® studio by Mary Pilates, niece of Joseph H. Pilates. Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs Inc. is dedicated to preserving the original teachings and legacy of Joseph H. Pilates. Fran Perel has been trained and certified as an Original Pilates® instructor by Mary Pilates. Pilatesculpt® is an original form of exercise created by Fran Perel as well as recognized and trademarked by the United States Federal Government. Pilatesculpt® combines Original Pilates® with Body Sculpting for maximum results. All Original Pilates® certificates and trademarks are available on this website. See content to view. All Pilates articles and Pilates information are © copyright Fran Perel and Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs Inc. and are not available for reprint without permission.

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