Improves the muscles' ability to pull oxygen out of the blood, reducing the need for the heart to pump more blood to the muscles. Reduces stress hormones that can put an extra burden on the heart. Works like a beta blocker to slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure.

When you are physically active, your heart work harder to supply the additional oxygen your muscles demand. Just like regular exercise makes your muscles stronger, it also makes your lungs and heart stronger. As your physical fitness improves, your body becomes more efficient at getting oxygen into the bloodstream and transporting it to the working muscles. That's one of the reasons that you are less likely to become short of breath during exercise over time. Some types of exercise can also strengthen the muscles of the neck and chest, including the diaphragm and muscles between the ribs that work together to power inhaling and exhaling.

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Physical activity is very important in a heart care regimen. Doctors recommend getting at least two and a half hours of physical activity each week. Exercise makes a person stronger, helps with balance and increases flexibility. More than that, it improves cardiovascular function. The heart learns to work more efficiently and gets stronger..