If you exercise regularly, your overall risk of a heart attack is about half that of people who are sedentary and out of shape. Regular exercise reduces risk of death from all causes, including heart disease and cancer. With routine exercise, you may reach a level of physical fitness comparable to an inactive person 10 to 20 years younger.
How exercise promotes longevity
Regular exercise may help you live longer by:
• Increasing the size of your coronary arteries and reducing atherosclerosis
• Decreasing the level of cholesterol in your blood
• Lowering blood pressure slightly
• Helping to control weight
Source: 8 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Heart Attack or Stroke, 2002, p15. 3p