This is the best exercise for heart health, says leading cardiac surgeon
Why Heart Health Matters

A healthy heart is vital for overall well-being. Regular exercise improves blood flow, reduces cholesterol, manages weight, and controls blood pressure. It also reduces the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes, making it a key component of lifelong health.
Benefits of Regular Exercise for the Heart

Exercise strengthens the heart muscle, enabling it to pump blood efficiently. It helps lower LDL (bad cholesterol), raise HDL (good cholesterol), regulate blood sugar, and improve blood pressure—all of which reduce heart disease risks and boost overall cardiovascular health.
What Dr. Jeremy London Recommends

Dr. Jeremy London emphasises aerobic exercises as the best for heart health. He cites scientific evidence showing that improving cardiovascular efficiency through such workouts reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular events and supports long-term heart function.
VO2 Max – A Marker of Heart Fitness

VO2 max indicates how well your body uses oxygen during exercise. Higher VO2 max levels suggest better cardiovascular fitness. Activities like swimming, running, and cycling enhance VO2 max, directly benefiting heart health and reducing the risk of future heart complications.
Ideal Weekly Exercise Routine

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise weekly. This can be spread out through the week and includes brisk walking, cycling, or swimming to maintain a healthy heart.
Start With Your Weakest Habit

Dr. London suggests a personalised approach: focus on improving your weakest health habit. Whether it’s poor sleep, irregular workouts, or unhealthy eating, targeting these areas can bring the most impactful changes to your heart and overall health.